So they think you're having a 'big' baby?

InductionBirth Info
Written By Megan Rossiter

My baby is the right size for my body ❤️


Hands up anyone who’s been told their baby is ‘too big’ so they ‘have’ to be induced? I want to share a direct quote from the NICE guidelines (that should be followed by all hospitals) to clear this up!


The guidelines quite clearly state that ‘In the absence of any other indications, induction of labour should not be carried out simply because a healthcare professional suspects a baby is large for gestational age (macrosomic).’

Nice guidelines induction of labour for a big baby



Loosely translated this means for women with no other complexities such as diabetes, we shouldn’t be inducing on estimated size alone.

 

However, many women still find themselves being offered induction because their baby is measuring 'big'. Why? A recent review of the research compared early induction of labour with spontaneous labour. It showed no significant difference in instrumental or cesarean birth. Induction of labour did reduce the chances of shoulder dystocia (from 6.8% to 4.1%) or a fracture (from 2% down to 0. 4%). However induction of labour also increased the chances of severe perineal trauma (from 0. 7% to 2.6%). Induced labour's are likely to be longer and the sensations of your surges to be more painful. Babies that are induced too early may also suffer from something called 'iatrogenic premiturity', meaning whilst by dates they are considered to be full term, their organs may not yet be fully mature. 

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000938.pub2/full

 

Growth scans can be up to 25% off as an estimation of birth weight. (This doesn’t mean that if there’s an indication for a scan that it isn’t a good idea, as it sometimes identifies other reasons for ‘measuring big’ such as excess water etc.)

 

Its up to you whether the statistics listed above feel like a valid reason for induction or not, and healthcare professionals are fairly split on how they interpret them. Use your Brain tool to help you decide what feels best for you! 

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If you’ve been told you might be carrying a ‘big’ baby and the seed of doubt has been sewn in your head there are a few things you can do to regain confidence in your body!

It's important to bear in mind what we need from a physiological perspective in order to give birth, both emotionally, hormonally, and physically- you need to feel calm, safe and unobserved. Upright positions and movement may be helpful if your body feels comfortable there.

 

Pop this affirmation up somewhere you’ll see it often! ‘My baby is the RIGHT size for MY body.’

 

And have a read of some positive birth stories of mums in a similar situation! (I’ve shared some links below). If you are a mum who’s got a positive story to share, PLEASE drop me an email and i’ll share it on the blog!



So, how big were your babies? Bigger or smaller than you expected?

my baby is the right size for my body big baby hypnobirthing positive affirmation

If you are interested in taking the next step to a positive birth, Positively Birthing Hypnobirthing and Antenatal Classes run throughout Surrey and SW London- areas including Surbiton, Esher, Teddington, Cobham, Twickenham, St Margarets, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Richmond, Wimbledon, Kingston, Sunbury, Epsom, Ewell, and beyond. All bookings can be made here.





Megan Rossiter
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