Early induction due to predicted baby weight

[Anonymous]

Just had my 36 week check up and they think the baby is measuring big (estimating 7 lbs 5 oz now). My first two kids were both induced at 41 weeks and weighed 7.5 and 8.5 respectively. They want to induce me at 39 weeks due to predicted size of this baby. Just curious for those who were induced early to avoid super large babies (and potential c sections), how big did your baby end up being compared to their estimate?

[Anonymous]

Well, they thought my baby was small (like under 6 lbs) and she was born at 7.5 lbs.

Induction for a "big" baby is not supported by evidence.

[Anonymous]

I'd push back on this and stay firm. Unless your health is impacted, ie your blood pressure is going up, or the baby's health is impacted, there's no need for an induction because of predicted birth weight.

These predictors for birth weight are notoriously wrong. Also, you are much more likely to have to have a c-section if the induction stalls. A c-section, while very common, is major surgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd push back on this and stay firm. Unless your health is impacted, ie your blood pressure is going up, or the baby's health is impacted, there's no need for an induction because of predicted birth weight.

These predictors for birth weight are notoriously wrong. Also, you are much more likely to have to have a c-section if the induction stalls. A c-section, while very common, is major surgery.

Induction is safe. No need to fear monger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd push back on this and stay firm. Unless your health is impacted, ie your blood pressure is going up, or the baby's health is impacted, there's no need for an induction because of predicted birth weight.

These predictors for birth weight are notoriously wrong. Also, you are much more likely to have to have a c-section if the induction stalls. A c-section, while very common, is major surgery.

Going against what her drs think can be dangerous. Not sure I agree with your advice here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd push back on this and stay firm. Unless your health is impacted, ie your blood pressure is going up, or the baby's health is impacted, there's no need for an induction because of predicted birth weight.

These predictors for birth weight are notoriously wrong. Also, you are much more likely to have to have a c-section if the induction stalls. A c-section, while very common, is major surgery.

Going against what her drs think can be dangerous. Not sure I agree with your advice here.

Can be. But they are notoriously bad at predicting baby weight at birth.

[Anonymous]

I might split the difference and induce at 40 weeks this time. By 41 weeks, the baby would probably be quite big but 40 would still be manageable.

How big are you, OP? Different answer if you’re really petite.

[Anonymous]

Those estimates are notoriously unreliable and I'm really surprised doctors are still recommending induction based on them.

[Anonymous]

I’m another “their measurements weren’t close” but in the other direction. My “might need NICU too small!” baby was born 6lbs 12oz. So while the measurements are notoriously wrong...they’re not only wrong in the direction you’re thinking in this case.

Induction at 39 weeks actually has the lowest risk of c-section, even as compared to spontaneous labor, so I would not let a c-section risk by itself deter you.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/induced-labor-39-weeks-may-reduce-likelihood-c-section-nih-study-suggests

[Anonymous]

They told my friend her baby could be 11 lbs and he was 8.something. But I have read that induction at 39 weeks has the best outcomes statistically so this wouldn't bother me.

[Anonymous]

So I had a huge baby. No one cared at all, except at my 40 week checkup the doctor felt my stomach to feel the baby and then asked if the baby felt big. My previous one was 8.5lbs. She then said she didn't want me to go on for too much longer because the baby felt really big. I was induced a few days later. Baby was 10lbs 4 ozs. I had almost skipped the induction because i wasn't sure it was needed. The first thought that went through my head was "thank god I had this baby today".

I'd just wait until 40 weeks if you aren't feeling the induction. You don't have to decide right now.

[Anonymous]

I was induced about a week early based on ultrasound indicating low fluid. They said she was at least 8.5 lbs so not to worry. She was only 7 lb 13 oz which is still fine but that's a pretty big percentage off. Also, tons of fluid. They straight up said their measurement was clearly wrong. Even though the induction went fine, I would definitely push back if I were you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They told my friend her baby could be 11 lbs and he was 8.something. But I have read that induction at 39 weeks has the best outcomes statistically so this wouldn't bother me.

+1 I have zero faith in these monster-baby size predictions but 39 weeks is the safest for AMA moms so I would not push back on this. If they wanted to induce actually early - like at 36 weeks - I'd tell them to kick rocks.

[Anonymous]

Nothing is wrong with a 7.5 and an 8.5 baby. There's no reason you can't deliver those sizes... I had a 10lber as my 2nd and had no trouble delivering. I think big first babies can be bad though.

I've heard babies don't gain weight when they're overdue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They told my friend her baby could be 11 lbs and he was 8.something. But I have read that induction at 39 weeks has the best outcomes statistically so this wouldn't bother me.

+1 I have zero faith in these monster-baby size predictions but 39 weeks is the safest for AMA moms so I would not push back on this. If they wanted to induce actually early - like at 36 weeks - I'd tell them to kick rocks.

Agreed! Anything before 39 weeks but would be a no. But research shows 39 weeks is very safe. JUST had a thorough converstaion with Dr about this.