Anyone else?

Question

Any one else’s doctor NOT induce just because they “think baby is large” ? My OB thinks it’s insane so many people are choosing to induce because they think there is a chance the baby could be large. I know several women who have birthed 10+ lb babies. Women’s bodies were built to birth babies. 
I’m 5ft 2in and my son was 9lbs 4oz at birth 40w 1d. My OB knew he was going to be large but didn’t scare me into inducing. 
Even crazier, those choosing to have csections because they think baby is large. 
I see so many choosing these paths instead of waiting for baby to come on their own. 
I can’t be the only one thinking this... 🤯

Accepted Answer

I think it's crazy that people care so much about what other mother's and father's and doctors choose to do for thier own reasons?? 🤷 
Their baby, thier choice, anon.

Answer

I actually don’t think it’s crazy, and it’s also prevented many deaths and issues. Things like shoulder dystocia as well as lack of oxygen during birth, leading to neurological problems. My OB and hospital has one of the lowest c section rates in our state, and I would trust her judgement on this. I think it’s weird you’re so invested in someone else’s decision, and your OB as well for a matter of fact, considering she has no specific knowledge on these patients.

Answer

I feel like this should be based a little on choice and prior experiences for the the mother. And the choice should be able to be made without judgement. If it is a safe time to deliver and the OB agrees then I do not see a problem. 
I am 5 foot 3 but my husband is 6 foot 5; we assume all our kids will be on the taller side. I had preeclampsia with my first pregnancy and knew my son was measuring large during the whole pregnancy. My dr gave me the option to induce at 37 weeks because of the combination of the preeclampsia and the size. I chose to and am very happy I did. My son was 10 pounds and 24.5 inches long. 
This pregnancy my daughter is measuring right in the same track my son did. I do not have preeclampsia this time around so I do not have a choice to induce and I am terrified knowing how big my son was and how big she could be. I am 35 weeks now and she is already measuring at just over 8 pounds, I know they can be off but I am assuming it is pretty accurate since all the other measurements have lines up with my sons.

Answer

I feel the same! I would never say it to another mom who chooses to do this, tho, but I do think there is a lack of education that leads some moms to just go along with what their doctor pressures them to do, even when there are different/better options. My 3 were 9.5 lbs and I will always be grateful for midwives who were positive and affirming instead of making me doubt my body. I have no regrets letting them come in their own timing when they were fully baked. They needed no assistance and have always been in great health.

Answer

It seems excessive to me too! Unfortunately that’s just the state of maternity care in the US. Other developed countries don’t have the same level of interventions that we do. 
The “big baby” thing I believe is a somewhat outdated medical diagnosis but as long as women keep believing it and insurance keeps covering it, doctors are going to keep offering inductions and c-sections for it. 
My understanding is that the way they calculate the size of the baby isn’t accurate enough to base a medical decision off of. Or said otherwise the measurements they take from ultrasound don’t predict with statistic significance what the baby’s weight will be. 
Just agreeing with you in general not at all judging or suggesting that there aren’t some needed inductions and c-sections related to size of baby or potential pelvic obstruction. Certainly don’t want to offend women who’ve had to make tough decisions around this topic or judge the interventions they picked.

Answer

YES... like I get to each their own but it’s INSANE to me. There’s very rare cases where your body will let your baby grow bigger than it can handle to birth on its own (like uncontrolled GD) but doctors in the U.S. prefer to be in control instead of letting the body run it’s own corse. It honestly drives me insane. Like I get mamas are excited and ready to get baby out, but if they haven’t come yet it’s usually for a reason. Induction is SOOO overused here. And I’ve watched sooo many C-section videos and they honestly give me anxiety. I get that sometimes they are necessary and I’m 100% okay with that, but choosing to have one just because we are not educated enough about how are bodies are MADE to birth hurts my soul.

Answer

I think there are exceptions but I do think there is generally a push for unnecessary inductions. It’s convenient for doctors and women feel less anxious when it’s planned, but babies are supposed to come when they are ready. I believe that our body knows when the time is right and unless medically indicated or we are way past our due dates, we should allow this natural process alone. Just my opinion but I’m trying to avoid induction at all costs.

Answer

And no worries about all the negative comments on here. You definitely are not the only one wishing the US medical system cared more about moms and babies and less about their own convenience/$$ interests. Our birth outcome rates are abysmal and could learn a lot from more progressive healthcare systems. Best wishes to you and your little one ❤

Answer

I was induced at 40+6, they thought my son was over 9lbs and told me I *could* wait but since I’m small (5’1”)  that if he got any bigger I might need a c-section... he ended up only being 7lbs6oz. 🙄

Answer

I’m really glad I had a c-section (emergency) with my first. He ended up being 10 lbs and I personally think we may have had major tearing or him getting stuck. I’m currently pregnant with #2 and I’m interested to see how big they are. I’m having a repeat section so if they’re on the larger side it won’t be an issue.
I personally think it’s up to each woman. She has to live with the choices/decision later on. Yes some women are pressured but you can say no too. I could’ve declined the section but my doctor was concerned my son would continue in distress. I made what I thought was the best choice and I don’t regret it one bit.

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