Straightforward birth after declining induction for 'a big baby' (First time mum)
Rachel gave birth to her first baby in hospital following conversations around ‘big babies’ and declining inductions.
“We had a natural birth for our first in a labour ward but that was not always a given.
During a follow up antenatal appointment, the measurement had our bubs tracking over the 97th centile, which meant we had to go for a growth scan. The growth scan (at 36 weeks) also showed him around this which meant, at full term, he’d be nearly 10lbs. This then lead to being tested for gestational diabetes and lots of discussions from an obstetrician about induction and C-sections…it didn’t seem to click with him that both my husband and I are 6 foot and I even told him I was a 10lbs4oz baby!! It was very frustrating and I had my heart set on a natural, water birth. I told him that I wouldn’t have the sweep at the suggested 39 weeks but rather at 40 and then induction at 41.
Birth-Ed really gave me the tools to sit and think without making a panicked “I’m being swamped with information!” decision there and then.
Thankfully, we had amazing midwives who completely backed me up and reassured me by saying women rarely grow babies too big for their bodies.
Thankfully, this debate came to nothing as Jac decided to make an appearance on a snowy evening four days before his due date.
I went into early labour at 11am and we spent the day chilling with the dog, napping and watching Shrek! Contractions started to ramp up early evening and they went from 8 minutes apart to 3 in no time at all which led to a rather fast drive to the hospital!
As it was December, I had my Christmas playlist playing all the way and just zoned out during contractions (which were now intense!). I spent the next hour or so pacing around the room on the ward, stopping to lean on something to breath through the contractions.
The only pain relief at this point was 2 paracetamol! The midwife came in and asked if I wanted an internal examination - I agreed to this as there was a bit more blood in the show than expected….it turned out I was 7cm which the midwife couldn’t believe! Unfortunately, the bleeding meant I couldn’t have the water birth I’d planned for as they wanted to monitor bubs so it was just gas and air for me as I was too far along for anything else.
Thankfully, the pushing phase of labour only lasted 2 and a half hours and our not-so-little bundle of joy came into the world at a healthy 9lbs 2.5oz!”
Thanks so much Rachel for sharing your story! If you want access to the same tools and approach Rachel used to avoid making panicked decisions in pregnancy or birth, join our online antenatal & hypnobirthing course for just £40/$49.