Panicking!

[Princesssss]

I don’t know if I want advice or to rant with panic. I’m currently 27weeks pregnant (first baby) and recently been told during a growth scan that baby’s measuring big. Shoved a leaflet “about big babies” told I’d have to have a diabetes check and moved from midwife led to consulate led. You can imagine my shock and horror? I’m currently needing to wait till my 28week midwife appointment to get further information. Also, my consultant appointment and diabetes check. Who else has been in this predicament?

[Prosopon]

Hi, I'm 37 weeks and currently going through this, so I know how confusing and worrying it is. My blood results show I don't have gestational diabetes so it is not entirely clear why my baby is big! It's odd too as I'm very petite and earlier on in my pregnancy needed a growth scan due to my bump measuring too small!

My consultant's plan is to induce my labour before the due date, and my induction is all booked in. I'm getting another scan next week to see if the induction needs to be earlier. Do you have another growth scan booked?

For me, I'm just trying to deal with the confusion and worries, and trying to adjust to the idea that my birthing experience is probably not going to be how I would like it to be. I had planned to give birth at a birthing centre but that is no longer possible. I'd suggest talking through worries with your midwife and writing down any questions you think of to ask the consultant.

It's very anxiety-provoking but I'm trying to take heart from something my antenatal class teacher said, which was that women don't grow babies they can't push out (unless they have a condition like gestational diabetes). Also keeping my fingers crossed that my labour starts naturally before my induction date!

I hope your blood results are ok and that you can make a plan you feel confident in.

[Princesssss]

It literally sounds like I’m mimicking your pregnancy. Only reason I had a growth scan was due my bump measuring small (odd). I wouldn’t say I was petite but I’m naturally a size 8/10.

Does that mean you’ll be induced next week? Coz when I read the leaflet they said depending on how big the baby is, induction can be between 37-38 weeks. No further scan booked for me yet, although, I’ve received my consultant appointment. It’s not for another 2months! Definitely going to question this with the midwife next week. I really hope your waters break naturally.

I completely understand where your coming from. I had envisioned a different plan for my delivery. That’s why I’m panicking. Thank you for the kind words. It’s so nice to know someone else is going through the same as you.

[Prosopon in reply to Princesssss]

My induction is booked for the 28th, but might be brought forward depending on the growth scan next week. Two months seems a long time to wait!

Also forgot to say that the consultant has recommended my midwife offer a stretch and sweep before the induction in the hope that it will kick start labour. That will be on Christmas eve for me so I could have a Christmas day baby, poor thing!

[Hidden]

Growth scans are not very accurate. Find a local doula and seek their advice and support doula.org.uk/find-a-doula/

I didn't measure big or have gestational diabetes but my babies were 8lbs12 and 9lbs5, I'm size 10. My sister similar size to me, also didn't measure big or have gd gave birth to her second child at home weighing 10lbs. We both went to full term.

Please don't panic and don't let them force you to do anything you don't want to do. Maybe when you were scanned baby was in an odd position. I've heard lots of stories of people being told their baby was going to be big and they came out smaller than mine. Please do get support from a doula, even if you just chat to them and ask a million questions, they are so passionate about women having the birth they want they will want to help you. Xx

[Jmww01]

growth scans are not very accurate, at 32ish weeks my baby was measuring as 7lb + and when she was born, 39weeks, fully healthy i may add, she was only 5lb 2oz.

try and stay positive, any questions your consultant and midwife will be able to answer! xx