I'm way too BIG!!------Long story!!!!

[Cwpsi]

It's me again!!

Been to see midwife last week, and I was 35wks and measuring 39wks which is a massive growth of 4wks ahead instead of my usual wk or 2!!
She has now made me an appointment to see a consultant about this, and I'm seeing him a wk to 2day and I'll be 37wks by then!!
I also had a trace of protein in my urine which I haven't had through my pregnancy!!

Has anyone else been in the same situation?
What can I expect the consultant to say??

My midwife says he wont induce me early because it will more than likely end up in an emergency c-section anyway.
Does it mean I will be made an appointment for an elective c-section??? Can I refuse it if I want and demand to be induced so I can at least try to give birth??

[Pippa68]

I had the same thing with my first baby almost 18 years ago. I was measuring 40 something inches at 33 weeks!

The consultant booked me in for an x ray to see how big the baby was in comparison to my pelvis. Unfortunately is was cancelled due to the Easter break, and I later went into labour.

It was an horrendous birth which resulted in the baby getting stuck. Many horrible things happened which I won't mention for fear of scaring you but I will say that the consultant wouldn't recommend a C section unless he/she really thought it was necessary.

I wish I had been given a C section, as it would have meant a much healthier mum and baby..

Please let us know how you get on ~ and good luck xx

[Cwpsi]

I had a scan at 28wks to see the size of the baby, it was big then. But I haven't measured this big ahead. It's more worrying apparently because I'm at the end of my pregnancy and there's no time for the size to level itself out!!
I also know that Ive grown even more since last wednesday because my coat won't close up now and my belly button has gone sooo weird!!
It's the biggest growth stage at this time too, half a pound a wk on average they put on!! I think I read too much!!
I just don't know what to expect now, and I'm a bit scared(ok, a lot scared)

[Pippa68]

Awww ~ it is natural to be scared, even without this complication! an x ray is better than a scan as you get the full picture regarding your pelvic capacity rather than just the size of the baby.

An elective C section is preferable to an emergency one ~ although you can opt for a 'trial of labour' with an epidural in place in case a C section is needed. My sister in law has haad 2 emergency sections and 1 elective. She told me that the elective was far less scary and less complicated than the emergency ones. However I will say that it is best to listen to your consultant, who will not want either you or your baby put at unnecessary risk.


It's a sad fact that giving birth to 'whoppers' isn't all it's cracked up to be. So many people talk about special care babies being small...my daughter was the biggest baby anyone had ever seen in the ICU ;o)

Try to stay calm and listen to your consultant ~ and don't be afraid to ask questions. xx

[Ice.Maiden]

Awww, Pippa - sorry you had such a bad time of things - but I was actually going to reassure Cwpsi! By three months, I was huge. Culdn't fit into anything except maternity clothes and floppy tops. I gained 4 stone over each of my children, and felt like I was going to burst way before it was time to give birth. My first baby weighed less than 7lbs, and the second one just over 8 - so despite being told I was probably carrying twins, and then that my babies were going to be very big - they weren't. The births were natural, and I didn't need any stitches or anything, so don't be frightened, and listen to your doctor - x.

[Pippa68]

I was hoping someone would come along with a reassuring post, Ice Maiden :o)

I didn't want to frighten Cwpsi, but felt I needed to let her know that if you are booked with a consultant over pelvis/baby size then it is sometimes best to go along with the consultants decision. I was in the unfortunate position of actually wanting a C Section but denied it..all to my own detriment.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, and both me and the baby were luckier than some. I just think it is scary that although you have the right to go against the consultants advice, it isn't always the best option.

I hope all turns out ok for Cwpsi :o)

[Hellyon]

There is a certain amount of pressure these days to have a 'natural' birth but it is important to accept that some births need help. I was 39 when I had my son and was prepared to go with the flow as it were, although the plan was to have a water birth I ended up asking for an epidural (contractions every four minutes but with 6 hours to go!) and after an attempt at pushing, then venteuse (sp) I had an emergency c section, which was not bad as they topped up the epidural. My point is, have a plan but be prepared to change it and be guided by the professionals, what ever way your baby arrives as long as you are both well you haven't falied!!

[Pippa68]

I agree, hellyon!

I am quite a 'natural birth' advocator..even though my first was horrendous. I have had three more children since (one of them a home birth) so I know that an uncomplicated natural birth is the best thing in the world...

However I would never condemn a woman for opting for a C section if there were possible complications (by possible I mean x ray evidence etc).

A birth is never a failure, no matter how it is done :o)

[Cwpsi]

Thanks for this!!!

I just had a nap and am having nightmares about this now!!
I just want it over and done with!! Waiting for a decision to be made on my behalf about the birth is worse really, because I just don't know what is actually ahead of me. I think that scares me most. I've looked into all the pain relief options and decided I want to try without anything for as much as I can and now my plans look like they're never gonna happen!!
How is the recovery form a c-section? Is it a really hard time?!

[redcrx]

i dont personally know about c-secs but a friend of mine has just had her 4th and was home the following evening. My neice has just had her first baby by emergency c-sect and was home 2nd day post op.

Its a major operation but if done under a spinal the initial post op period isnt as bad apparently then if youd had a general aneasthetic.

The op itself can take about 6 weeks to start to heal fully so that you can drive and lift etc. But everyone recovers at different rates.

of course, baby may not be as big as you are worrying about, it could still all be waters.

[Cwpsi]

Nope, midwife confirmed it's all baby and there's not much water to be felt!! She'd be more concerned if there was lot of water there though!!!

I thought recovery time was about 6wks, no housework sounds good though yeh!!!!

[mrs_overall]

Sorry to hear about your worries.
You asked about the recovery time from C sections. I've had 3 elective caesarians and the first two were pretty grim but they were a long time ago. The third one was fine (the main improvement being that they now use a nylon thread for sutures instead of the horrid, painful metal clips they used for my 1st two.) The norm is to remain in hospital until the stitches are removed on day 5. You're not supposed to lift anything, push a pram or drive for 6 weeks. I'd always recommend an epidural over being put to sleep. It's bad enough having major surgery without having to get over the anaesthetic. This is a personal thing, but I felt really fit and well within 2 weeks of having my babies.
If they recommend you have an elective c section, be guided by them. If there are no other complications they may let you have a trial labour if you ask.
Good luck!

[Cwpsi]

Thanks for you're help.
I'm seeing my midwife tommorow, I will update here if anything changes. My nerves are all gone, I don't understand why I've got myself into such a worry about it though!! The unknown I suppose!!

Will update you soon,

Thanx :>)

[Psychick]

Good luck with tomorrow. I know what you mean about the unknown! But even when I was given a date to be induced last time round so therefor knew when my baby was going to arrive (ish) I was still fretting! lol Its only natural so try not to worry anymore!

[Cwpsi]

Hello,
just a small update.
Went to see midwife today, now measuring 41wks at 36wks (gone up 2wks again in a wk!)
Were going in to ANDU in the morning to be monitored as baby is not moving as much as it used to. I would be able to count to 50 and feel more movements usually in 12 hours, but yesterday and today have felt no more than 24-25 in 12 hours. I know this is still an ok figure, but it's a drop from the norm!!

Thanks for all you're wise advice, means a lot :>)

[Ice.Maiden]

Cwpsi - hello there. I can understand your feelings - and can I just say that Hellyon's right - all births seem to be slightly different, and if you need help when the time comes, don't be afraid to ask for it. My second baby also seemed to go "dormant". I was worried in case something'd happened to him, but all was well. All firt-time mums to be start worrying about what to expect re. the pain thing, but if you remember to use your beathing exercises, and follow what you're told to do, it's generally not half as bad as you're expecting it to be. Having my first baby felt as though i was giving birth to a pineapple!!!! Prickly, but not over-painful! Good luck xx.