Are doctors alowed to induce if baby is large?

[Ashlee2210]

I'm asking this question because at 36 wks the ultrasound said that my little boy was 8lbs 7oz. I had to wait two more weeks to get another one to make sure if he is actually 'big'. Well, I go and have my sonogram at 38 wks and now he is weighing 10 lbs 11oz. My doctor said that they are not allowed to induce before 39 wks due to a large baby. Yet I get concernced for how big he is. The doctor in her own words says, "Your baby isnt big, he's huge!" Now you would think they wouldn't let it get that far because of all the risks. She finally said I could have a scheduled c-section Jan 18th because I will be 39 wks then. Does anyone know if this is true? "Are they really now allowed to induce before 39wks because of a large baby? I am just worrying because my babyboy keeps gaining more and more weight, and I am hoping that it is safe for him to be a 12 + pounder =/

[whatstheodds]

My Dr told me my last pregnancy they only induce if its a week b4 ur due date

[JoyRenee]

Bravo, SunWorshiper! You said that just beautifully and I couldn't agree more.

I'm not saying thsoe who have had c-sections haven't had need of them but I would definitely go for the vaginally delivery. That is why we have medical professionals at our births - to watch for any problems that would require immediate assistance. HAPPY BIRTHING!

[SunWorshiper_26]

Many hospitals are switching their rules that they cannot induce for a large baby and they certainly cannot do elective csections which is what you would be considering. I don't know if the hospital you are delivery at has implemented these rules yet but many hospitals have. I would not recommend and elective csection for a few reasons. First off ultrasounds only guess size they cannot tell you for certain how much your baby weighs and often times they are wrong, very wrong.  Secondly I would not recommend to anyone to have a major surgery such as a csection unless there was a justified medical reason. A big baby is not a medical reason. If you were to labor for some time and baby was not able to fit well in the birth canal, the drs would know and be able to do a csection. But having major surgery, having your stomach cut open and sewed ip just because you are nervous about birthing a large baby probably isn't a good idea. There are always many risks with major surgery and remember you would then be recovering from this major surgery and trying to care for a baby at the same time :/. Don't be afraid, try vaginal and if if things aren't happening like they should there is always a backup option of a csection

[JoyRenee]

PS I have to also mention that sonogram measurements can be off by a couple pounds so I wouldn't really worry about it. Trying to measure a baby in the last trimester is like having an adult curl up in a pool and float around while trying to measure them; it's just not accurate.

You were made to birth babies and have already birthed a larger-than-average child and know your body can handle it. You can do it, Momma! Check out Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. Lots of stories in there about large babies being birthed vaginally!

[JoyRenee]

Hi! I just had to weigh in on this question. First I am SO EXCITED for you! Congrats on your baby boy!

Second, to answer your question, they are not supposed to induce you for a large baby, no. ACOG (American College of Gynos) states that macrosomia (large baby) is not a medical reason to induce or for cesarean birth. Women can vaginally deliver large babies safely. The best thing to birth a large baby is to birth in an optimal position. Get off your back and get into a squatting position or on your hands-and-knees.

Sounds a bit primal and maybe even strange but it will open up your pelvis and allow him through. Cesarean births have been normalized in our culture and are touted as being safe. They're not. It's major abdominal surgery that carries very high risk and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately it is YOUR choice and what you are comfortable doing. Glad you found MedHelp and if you have any other questions shoot me a message! I have tons of resources, one of which is www.unnecessarean.com

[Ashelen]

argh I'm so sorry nothing worse than back-labor! My SIL had a similar delivery to you and ended up with a c-section, but most of it for her was due to exhaustion..her son would've fit eventually she just didn't have the strength to keep pushing, and I can understand why - she was in active for something like 24? hours. On the other hand I have a friend who birthed a 12lber after 6 hours of pushing (good Lord...I know, right?!) and she's a tiny framed girl...but her active was shorter so she had more energy when it came down to the final pushing.