Should you be INDUCED if your Baby is "BIG"?

[KnoxvilleDoula]

Should you be induced if your baby is big?

Labor induction is a widely overdone procedure in American hospitals. If you're going to be induced, make sure it's for the right reason, and a big baby is not  justification.

Baby size, even with an ultrasound and an outstanding care provider is a tough call. Research has noted time and time again that guessing at a baby's size is a fairly inaccurate science. If you're induced, and your baby' is smaller than anyone thought, this could spell trouble.

Beyond baby size, baby due dates are also commonly misjudged. Many times, due to misinformation, varied period cycles, and other issues, your baby's due date is basically a best guess situation, ranging over a few weeks! Induction based on an incorrect due date can be problematic for your baby.

If you're induced, you're more likely to experience a large range of labor and birth interventions, up to a C-section.

If you're only a few days past your estimated due date, and you or your health care provider is considering induction it may be best to chill for a few days, and wait and see what happens. Most babies will come when they're ready. Unless you have gestational diabetes, which really can result in bigger babies, or another health issue, it's best to go into labor naturally.

• Let Mother Nature run your birth experience
• How to do a baby kick count

www.pregg3r.com

 

[gypsysmiles]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 2:53 AM

I was induced because after an u/s my doc swore my son would be almost 10 lbs with 2 weeks to go. So, I let her bully me into being induced (using my well controlled Gestational Diabetes as an excuse) and had a C-Sec because of it (and a jerk of a doctor who wouldn't respect my wishes!)

[KnoxvilleDoula]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 2:54 AM

out of curiosity, how large was your son?

(Original Poster)

[Mommygoose]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 2:25 PM

My DD was estimated "big" and when I hadn't delivered on my due date the doc suggested we schedule an induction for the following Monday. I wasn't thrilled but thought he's the Dr. not me. I delivered my 9lb. 1.1oz. DD that Saturday, naturally! No episiotamy(sp?) and only one shot of Stadol(sp?)!

[KnoxvilleDoula]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 2:41 PM

Thanks, mommygoose for your story! 9lb is not "small" and women need to hear they can birth even BIG babies naturally! THANK YOU!

(Original Poster)

[Mommygoose]

Dec. 10, 2008 at 1:35 PM

You're very welcome!!! From the first sign of labor to delivery was only 9ish hours!! I was blessed with an "easy" labor and delivery. It can be done!!LOL

[glittersteph]

Dec. 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM

I have given birth to 3 boys. My first son was 9lbs even. I went into labor naturally with him. I did have an epidural with him, didn't help though. He was face up, I had really painful back labor. But it was a good experience over all. My 2nd son was a different story. He was estimated to be "big", over 10lbs.My dr. didn't mention inducing. I went into labor naturally with him as well. My labor was 45 mins from start to finish. We barely made it to the hospital. I had no time for an epidural. His shoulders were stuck (he was also not breathing well) and he had to be pulled out with the possability of breaking his collar bone. He was 10lbs. 8 oz.! I was  5'4" 140lbs. He didn't break his collar bone. Thank goodness. I couldn't walk for about 2 weeks after, he had to be swaddled for over a month and to do stretching exercises for a few months after.

With my last son, I didn't want to do that again. I was classed as high risk because of rapid labor and large babies. LOL I guess my body just knows how to grow them. We monitored my last baby very closely. We planned an induction. We did an ammnio when I had a month left. He was doing great and his lungs were good! About 2 weeks before my due date I was induced. I checked in at 9am. My dr. broke my water(I had dilated to about 4cm) 30 mins later I had my epidural, and at 11:45 I started pushing. 2 pushes later my son was born. He was 7lbs. 11oz. and in perfect health. It was a great labor and delivery. He was my last and I couldn't have asked for a better delivery.

Every woman is different. I believe knowledge is power and the more women who know all of the facts of birth options the better. Great post!

[KnoxvilleDoula]

Dec. 10, 2008 at 3:47 PM

Thank you, glittersteph, and ALL of you for your comments!

(Original Poster)