Shoulder Dystocia

I don't know what this is unless it means the baby's shoulder could be dislocated which makes sense to me. The people who do the sonograms are not supposed to interpret them. That's the doctor's job. If you've been seeing him all along, I think I'd trust his judgement unless you have a good reason not to. I had a c-section with my second child. The worst part is the recovery and it can be pretty rough. However, I was 33 and not in great health at the time so it might not be as bad for a younger, healthier person. Best of luck to you!

Hi K.,
Just to put in my 2 cents, and that may be what it's worth. ha ha
I have found the weight prediction to be off by up to 20%. If that is the case then she would weigh around 7.5 lbs. And it may not be an issue. I would love to know how much she ends up weighing and how things go. Good Luck!!!
Jen

I haven't read the other responses, but I do know that sonograms can vary by 2 lbs. Also, 8.4 is not very big. My step brother was 10.5 lbs and my step mom delivered him just fine with no drugs! Get a second opinion, do reaserch and, in the end, go with what you feel comfortable with!

I am a labor and delivery nurse. I have seen shoulder dystocia many times before. What happens is when the head will come out but the shoulders will not. It is an emergency situation. You could have a tear that could be very complicated or worse your baby could have several complications. Your baby could have limited oxygen and this could cause brain problems. Your baby could also have nerve damage and could have 3 different types of problems. These could result in him not being able to use his arms. The clavicals also could get broken. I have to say a bad shoulder dystocia will scare even the most experiance doctor and nurse to dealth. They have come out with a new way to evaluate a pt for shoulder dystoria, it is called a calm study. It sounds like your guy may have used this, to help tell if you and your baby are at risk. I know abd. surgery is scary and yes it is a big deal and is painful BUT, a healthy baby is worth it. I swear if you have ever been in the room with a baby that the shoulders will not come out you would have a different point of view. Please talk more to your doctor about this. It is no light matter. P..

I don't know your ob ans what his track record is for c-s. I do know some Drs like to push c-s during the holiday season though.

Shoulder dystocia is a real thing. My ob (who has one of the lowest c-s rates in the area) gave me the talk about it and the risk of a c-s due to my gestational diabetes and why I needed to keep it in check. I don't know how big you are, etc. but your child doesn't sound that big frankly. Also, sonos are not 100% accurate. In other words, your baby could be 10% more or less than what they're showing. He cannot force you to have a c-s at this point as he says so keep that in mind. If you're truly concerned, you might consider a second opinion if that's possible at this point.

My ds also measured larger but you know what? We're tall in my family and babies run big so I think that would be pretty normal. He's always been 95th percentil for height and weight. My ds also showed he was large. We ended up inducing at 38 weeks due to my gs and having whacked out blood sugar. The intent was to have as natural a delivery as possible. I had a doula and everything. I never progressed past 3 cm so we ended up with a c-s. We always knew that was an option, but wanted to avoid it.

I guess what I mean to tell you is, if you're having any doubts or concerns. Get a second opinion. I would recommend the obs at Women to Women or Dr Brothers & Crochet. They all have low c-s rates and are very skilled at natural delivery (they deliverd a friend of mines twins -- one breach -- naturally but with pain meds of course).

If you have your heart set on a natural delivery, I think you should still have the opportunity to voice this to your ob and to make it a part of your birth plan. If he is dead set against it, you may need to look else where.

I did have a c-section in June and it was a great experience. I went in to be induced and the baby's heart rate went wacky. It was in his best interest and I had no problems to speak of. However, he was my first and we are talking about baby #2...I don't know if doing it with another one would be that easy. I wonder about picking up the first and stuff. I have never heard of the shoulder issue before. What does your husband think?

Make sure your doctor knows about and how to use the Gaskin maneuver - NOT the McRobert's maneuver.

If he doesn't - find a new doctor. Or a midwife. Period. If he isn't in tune with the latest research and more effective childbirth techniques you don't want him.

That said: A doctor cannot predict shoulder distocia. Research had proven over and over and over and yet this myth for coercing women into major abdominal surgery at 1/3 the time investment and 3 times the total bill persists. I'm sorry - this makes me angry.

You need to get your hands on a book called "Obstetric Myths vs Research Realities" by Henci Goer. You need to request all your medical records - your entire file - and find a health care practitioner who's C-section rate is at the recommended 10%. (I guarentee you your doctor's is not.)

Angry at your doctor for scaring you like that,
A. <><

P.S. There are a lot of things you can do to prevent shoulder distocia.
~Avoid anesthesia which increases your risk
~Avoid induction which increases your risk
~Stay active to allow the baby to move as he needs through the birth canal
~Stay upright! Don't push against gravity - it's one of the easiest ways to get the baby wedged against your pubic bone.
~Squat during the pushing stage - this will open your pelvic outlet by 20%!!! That's a HUGE difference.
~Find a health care practitioner who knows AND USES the Gaskin maneuver for shoulder distocia. It IS the most effective way to handle that situation.

I suppose it's always a chance, but my dr. has used it (the threat) for all 5 of my deliveries. My most recent babe was born in May and they said he'd be close to 10.5lbs and I was at great risk (I wanted to do a drug free delivery for the first time and they were pushing induction). He was a healthy 8.1 lbs and no problems at all. Go with your gut! I know everyone is different, but it seems a bullying tactic at times.

Best of luck!
M.

I had to have an emergency C-section and I was very upset - I really wanted to have her vaginally, but I am so happy now! The recovery was not that bad, it is better for the baby, and I did not have to tear or have an awful Episiotimy! All my friends who I have talked to who have had babies both way say the C-section was better unless they had a really quick and easy birth.

I agree with Patty, the labor & delivery nurse.

I personally know of a 15 year old girl who's shoulders didn't fit when she was born. She now has permanent nerve damage in her right shoulder and is not able to completely use her arm.

Bottom line, ask God to guide you when making this decision, trust in Him and He will take care of you & your baby.

K.,

I would recommend the scheduled C-section. I wish I had had one.

My baby just turned 1. When he was born, he got stuck. I knew something was wrong because when I had my first, she came out pretty quickly once her head was out...but this time, once the baby's head was out, the doctor kept moving the baby around and giving me weird instructions...then cut me, alot. Even so, my son's right clavicle was broken on the way out. It was not a good childbirth experience.

Holding and breastfeeding my son was very difficult. Dressing him was not easy...and the stress of wondering how well he'd heal was bad. The pediatrician at the hospital said it could've been much worse than just a broken clavicle. Luckily, a year later, he's 100% and into everything!

I was not given the option of a scheduled C-section...I went into labor on my own; but came close to an emergency C section.

Childbirth should be a wonderful thing...a C section may seem to take something away from that...but a bad vaginal delivery is much worse, in my opinion.

Congratulations on adding to your family and best wishes in whatever you decide.

Becky

Oh my drama drama drama, you have a lot of responces your probally more upset by now. I just wanted to say I had 3 c secs and even though its been years I wonder sometimes if it was really all necessary. I didnt have to have them very long in my possession that is the babies, to feel like I really gave birth. So that wasn't an issue c sec moms are up around quick but completely healing takes awhile but not unbearable. My c secs wasnt based on weight but I will tell you that each sonogram with each child was disappointing when I found out they were up to 2 lbs smaller than what the sonogram read it would be. With each child I was encouraged to try and go vag unless it became a risk and then my doc would say so. but still sometimes I wonder if its one of those lets make more money with a c sec deal. even though I know my doc had a low c sec rate and he really thought it important to go vag if could so in saying that I think you'd feel better if you got that second opinion I never did but make sure you don't use one affiliated with your doc, they're batting for each other. Now take a deep breath and know that God's hand is on you and your baby and trust him to help you in your hour of need. I pray that he puts Angels on you and your unborn child and bring your child into the world healthy and safe and to keep you safe and well too. God bless you and Merry Christmas just remember try and go vag as long as you can.

HI, First of all, congratulations! I don't know what shoulde Dystocia is, but with my first pregnancy, I was in labor for several hours (and pain because they wouldn't let me have an epidural unitl I was dialted to 4, which took forever)
After pushing for 2 hours, the doctor said that the baby was to big to pass through my pelvis and I had an emergency C-section. Because of this, my 2nd pregnancy was a planned C-section. I was actually happy because I was able to skip all the contraction pains and knew exactly when I was having her. Even though it's major surgery, it is very common. I would go with your doctor's recommendation for the the safety of the baby. Good luck. Keep us posted and let us know how she is doing.

I was in the same position you are in 14 weeks ago. I really hoped for a vaginal delivery, but my pubic bone was too narrow to let the baby pass through. If I were to try to deliver vaginally, my doctor said that I would have separated his shoulder, which is no way to enter the world. I was extremely disappointed that I did not get to labor, but it was all for the better b/c my baby arrived safely. The c-section is major abdominal surgery and will hurt afterward, but at least the birthing process will not be complicated by a baby that is in pain.

C-sections are a big deal, but if they have to be done, they have to be done! My daughter was too large (9 lbs 10 oz) and I had to have an emergency c-section about a year ago! The recovery time is longer, but I LIVED!! You will hear rants from those who are totally against c-sections....obviously the medical community believes they need to be done sometimes....I didn't care how I had my baby just as long as she came out safely! I hope you make whatever decision is best for you and the baby...please don't let others sway you w/their neg. comments....good luck!

Shoulder Dystocia is when the baby is too large to fit through the birth canal and a shoulder gets stuck. It can be very dangerous. At this point, the head is out and the rest of the baby's body is still inside of you, and the baby could be compressing the umbilical cord, thus stopping oxygen flow to the baby. If the doctor is recommending the c-section, I would follow through. The doctor was trained in this, and would not put you or the baby in unecessary harm. If he thinks shoulder dystocia is possible, I would rather be safe than sorry. God Bless and I pray it is a wonderful delivery for you!! Congratulations!!

Hello K.--I can help you. Please call me at my birth center for a consult appointment. ###-###-####
Shoulder dystocia is indeed a serious problem. It is almost impossible to predict--but there are warning signs. These signs occur during labor. The OB/GYN association discourages induction or planned C/S for macrosomia (large baby).

I have never had this problem because I encourage side-lying position at the time of birth, which never happens in a hospital unless the doctor is not there yet, and the nurse places the women on her side.

I'd be happy to discuss this further,
thanks, Kathy cell ###-###-####

Hey K.,

I dont know much about shoulder dystocia, but I did have a c-section with my son. I can say for me, it was just as special, and an awsome experience as I would think that a natural childberth would be. They made me feel very comfortable, and relaxed during the surgery. I say do what is the safest for you and the baby. As far as your doctor maybe wanting to be home for the holidays, he probably has many more babies that are going to be due, and will probably be on call, or he will have someone on call.I am just guessing. I say do a little research on shoulder dystocia, and talk to your family. Good luck to you and your baby!! Happy holidays

Please research this!

You're getting conflicting advice here, and it is important that you get the facts.

A friend of mine gave birth vaginally to a baby who was nearly 10 pounds and who had shoulder distocia. You don't HAVE to have a C-section in this case. Also remember: your baby doesn't necessarily have shoulder distocia. They move around in there all the time. Do you feel your baby moving? Good. Then it isn't in the same position it was when the sonogram was done.

There are risks associated with vaginal birth. There are risks associated with C-sections. What you have to do is decide which risks are more acceptable to you and your family.

C-sections use drugs that have NEVER been tested for safety in human infants, and it has been shown that the babys do get exposed to those drugs during the C-section.

Also, nature is supposed to take its course during a birthing...your body has things it does automatically to help you recover...the baby is suppposed to go through the big squeeze (better apgars with vaginal births). C-sections go against the natural course of events.

I have had a no-drug home birth. I've also had a (actually necessary) C-section. Results for me and for my baby were better with the home birth, and first babies are supposed to be the hardest.

If you have this many doubts, I'd say avoid the C-section. Tell the doctor you'll do it IF it becomes necessary.

****One more thing to remember:
Elective C-sections have been known to cause severe problems for some children. I personally know of a family with two children who were elective C-sections and have permenant problems with their lungs because of it. Turns out, the doctors thought the little girls were ready to be born, but they were not. Look it up.

And that's my main point here: RESEARCH! Mamasource is great for opinions, but you need facts and statistics.

Best of luck.

You need to get a second opinion immediately.

I am not saying that shoulder dystocia does not exist. Of course it does. However, what you are describing sends up many red flags, especially regarding the time of year and the timing of the suggestion.

There are a number of excellent options for a second opinion, depending on where you live.

Dr. Fred Cummings at Denton Presbyterian
Dr. Charles Downey at Richardson Regional
Dr. Audrey Graham at Baylor Dallas
Dr. Robert Gunby at Baylor Dallas
Dr. Patrick Allen at North Hills

If you want a vaginal birth, you need to work for it. When you are not recovering from surgery over Christmas while trying to take care of a newborn, you will be glad you did.

D.
http://www.cherishbirth.com

K.,
I had shoulder dystocia with my son 8 yrs ago and it was unexpected. He wasn't a big baby he was just 7lbs. It was a hard delivery and they had to use the suction device to get him out and if that didn't work I would have had an emergency c-section. Which to me is worse than a scheduled one. At least with the scheduled one the baby is under a lot less stress than try to come out and having to be pushed back in for the c-section. Luckly, he was o.k. but there can be severe complications like a broken collar bone or worse. Because of the complications with my son my OB recommended a c-section with my daughter and explained that there is a lot less risk for the baby during delivery. Having known what I know now about SD I definately recommend the c-section.
Good Luck and congrats on the new baby!
K.

K.,
I am a labor and delivery nurse, and Shoulder Dystocia is a phrase that makes my heart skip a beat. The risk is that if you attempt to deliver a baby that is too big, you may be able to push the baby head out of the vagina, but then the broad shoulders of this big baby do not fit. There are several manuvers that we do in a rush, hurry, oh my god, help us now moment that usually work. Mom's end up with large episiotomies, and occasionaly, the baby has a broken clavical (that heals) or if not, nerve damage to the neck/shoulder area. It is scary. However, this said, many women deliver babies that weigh 8-10 pounds. It just depends on your pelvis in relation to the size and lie of your baby. It cannot be predicted either way. If you want a trial of labor, be induced soon, and see if the baby comes down. Sometimes, the baby is just too big to engage in your pelvis, and the c/s is the next step. Talk to your MD about risks of both c/s and induction. The c/s is safer for the baby, riskier for you. Vaginal del are safer for you, riskier for babies.
It is your call. Whatever you do, delivery at a level 3 hospital with 24 hour anesthesia, a neo unit, and an OR on the unit. Think about an epidural, so that if there is an emergency like Shoulders, you have on board anesthesia, just in case as you will be considered higher risk.
Also, late ultrasounds like yours can be as much as 1-2lbs off, so we do not usually rely on them.
Good luck

Well, I've had 2 c-sections. Both kids were 8+lbs.
With a risk of shoulder dystocia, you can suck it up and prove yourself as a "woman" that you can do it, go through the pain, tearing, and inevitable c-section anyway (if the baby gets stuck), or just have a c-section. I figure it's better to be hurting from one place or the other, not both!
Yes, a c-section is major surgery, but if you do have a c-section and then get up right away and start walking around, take all your meds (whether you think you need them or not), follow all your doctor's after care advice (including about houswork) recovery is really quick. Not to mention, you don't have the "bladder problems" that some moms have after a vaginal delivery. As far as the holidays are concerned, c-sections can be scheduled, you get 4 days off in the hospital instead of 1 and your baby is born with a pretty round head! AND, IT WILL GET YOU OUT OF ALL YOUR HOLIDAY COOKING AND PARTIES!!! Can't ask for more than that. Good luck.

Hi K. YES I have heard of this - the same thing happened to me. I was always two -three weeks ahead then my due date. I decides to have the c-section and glad I did . because If I would had try to have my son vaginally I would have had to have a c-section anyway. It worked out best for me I had a healthy baby Boy . you have to do what you think is right for you - But I really don't think that the Doctor would just tell you this because of the holiday..I hope things go well for you and your New baby.

Take this from an OLD LABOR AND DELIVERY NURSE. Trust your Doctor. Shoulder Dystocia is nothing to take lightly. Did they explain to you what it is? It is when the baby's head is
delivered but the shoulders are to large to be delivered. This can result in death to the baby, and is also very dangerous for the mother.

Hello K.!
I honestly have never heard of shoulder dystocia, but if it seems like it would be safer for the baby, I would have a c-section. I had to be induced and ended up with a c-section, and it was one of the easiest things I've ever done. Everyone built it up so much, and really had me worried, but mine went perfect, The recovery was nothing. Good luck with your decision!

I had my daughter at home with a midwife and wound up having shoulder dystocia that we did not forsee at all. It was scary at first but I was confident in my midwife and She knew how to get the baby out safely. So now I have a healthy daughter and I didn't have to be transfered to the hospital to have a csection. If you think that you can do it than I would definately not have a csection. Why does he think you're at risk? Just because the baby is big? Many Doctors now are trying to find good excuses for a Csection because it's easier on them.

Whenever you aren't sure how you feel about something a doctor tells you always get a second opinion. It will make you feel better about making a decision. I would suggest seeing a midwife though.

Hi.
My baby was breeched and i had a c-section. before i found out, i planned to have him naturally with no drugs but soon it all had to change. you just have to do what's best for the baby. I went into the procedure with a positive attitude because had i not, i would've made the situation worse. I also wanted to be happy about the birth and not focus on the negative. As it turned out, the c-section wasn't so bad. My group of nurses/dr. were fantastic. I told them to talk to me through the entire procedure;therefore, i was relaxed and excited. The aftermath is rather painful BUT you have to take your meds in order to get better. I stopped and i was in serious pain so the meds do help you get up and moving around. I also had a great support team so i was good.
I think there are pros and cons to having a baby vaginally and by c-section. Try to accept it that way you can focus on the happy and the goodness that's about enter your lives.
Don't get me wrong, I was totally freaked at first but you have to change your attitude, and that's what i did. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Hello,

When I had my first son I had pre-eclampsia, and due to his size ended up with a 4th degree tear as well. I was in labor for 14 hrs, and then almost had to have an emergency C-Section. Due to all of this, my Dr. said it would be best to have a scheduled C-Section with my 2nd.

I was very nervous as well, but I knew it was better for the baby. I went into surgery at noon, and had my son at 12:19. I had heard horror stories about C-Sections, but I truly feel my recovery time was shorter. I think that was due to the quick nature of the delivery and my Dr. uses something called a "pain ball" that delivers medicine directly to your incision until you leave the hospital.

If you tried to have the baby naturally, and then had to have an emergency C-Section you would have such a long recovery, plus it sounds like a C-Section would be better for the baby.

I do believe that Dr.'s like scheduled C-Sections, but I do not think he would suggest one if not needed at all.

Good luck!

Hi, I had my sone by c-section in April of this year. I too wanted to try to have my baby naturally, however if I had I would have put my life and my childs life in danger. My baby did not have Shoulder Dystocia, I had other complications. I think that you should do what is good for you and your baby. Just having the potential of having permantent nerve damage, fracturing of your pelvis, stress or even potential death of a baby with Shoulder Dystocia would be enough for me to have a c-section. Good luck and I hope everything works out for your family.

This is always a possibility but is usually easily remedied by getting into the hands and knees position to allow the midwife or OB to reach in to reposition and free the baby. This is NOT generally a reason for a C-Section and your baby is not abnormally large. Plenty of babies 10 to 12 lbs are born vaginally and in gentle home births all the time. If you would like the facts for and against this procedure you can grab a copy of "The Thinking Womens Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer

BTW - I had a true emergency C-Section as the result of a fall. C-Sections are MAJOR surgery. It is over a year later and I do not feel fully recovered. I would do it again to save my son's life, but I would NEVER recommend doing it lightly - only as a last resort and the result of proven necessity. The holidays see a huge rise in C-Sections - a rate which is already absurdly high in the US. If you labor naturally first you may be surprised that your body is truly built for this if you just relax and trust it. It is unfortunate that you didn't know to go to Bradley classes which cover this in detail, read natural childbirth books that explained this better, or had an assistant that supported natural birthing more. Unfortunately that is "normal" in our country. It is not the case in most of the rest of the world.

ETA There are other things to help avoid SD - like refusing drugs which will inhibit your ability to move around as needed and the ability to feel to push properly.

I didnt see any of the responses that you have recieved, but I wanted to tell you I have had 4 c-sections--so if you have any questions please feel free to email me ____@____.com.

I have been teaching childbirth classes for 16 years and I would definitely have to agree with your friend from church who is a labor and delivery nurse. First of all, determining the weight by ultrasound is can be highly inaccurate at this point. If you have already given birth vaginally then your body knows how to do it. Also, shoulder dystocia cannot be diagnosed before the pushing stage. I would definitely recommend reading Henci Goer book The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. In fact just google her name and I'm sure you would find some articles about shoulder dystocia and that weight is not the only factor. I would definetely talk to your doctor and try to avoid major abdominal surgery. Good Luck

Dear K.-

Yes you are getting lots of viewpoints, and I agree that you need to find what feels (in your gut and your heart) right for you and your baby.
Having said that, I'll also give my viewpoint. If this were me, I would run- not walk fast away from this physician, even this late in the pregnancy. I know that is a very difficult suggestion and may not work for you...just what I would do.
I will second everything that Angela said.
With any birth attendant (OB or Midwife) I recommend to get their statistics up front before committing to work with them. A very important statistic is the C-Sec rate. If it is high (definitely if above 10% as Angela mentioned) you will know that they are doing c-secs for reasons other than medical necessity.
There is always a risk- with birth, with life, with everything. Shoulder dystocia is a risk (one of mine, 9 lbs had shoulder dystocia, delivered fine by a midwife). C-Sections are a risk also. They are a significant risk to both mother and baby. This is something you might want more info about.
Inducing labor brings risk (some of which were mentioned by others) as well, and doesn't seem respectful of ours and our babies' bodies.
Childbirth has been working for women for a very long time.
Blessings to you and your baby.

Can you get a 2nd opinion to see if it's really necessary?

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby, but congrats on the upcoming birth!!
I did not have this problem, but a friend of mine did and it is very painful for the baby and was VERY difficult for her to deliver the baby. She did get it done, but she had complications during and after the birth and the baby was bruised and sore and had a heck of a time nursing (if that matters to you). I don't really have much help, just this story. Good Luck on your decision

When I was pregnant with my son they did a sonogram and said he was already 9lbs 12 oz and my doctor induced me 2 weeks early....turns out my son was only 8 lbs. I'm not saying that doctors and sonograms are always wrong, but I wouldn't let them push you into doing something you're not comfortable doing. I know 8-4 sounds big, but my daughter was 9-2, and her birth wasn't difficult at all (well apart from the normal pain of giving birth). Everything went smoothly. If you're getting on up into 10 lbs, that's when I'd be a little more leery towards it, but seriously, if you're not comfortable with a C- section, don't do it just because your doctor wants you to. They love donig C-sections- they get more money for them. Ask your doctor about doing an early induction as opposed to a C-sec. Just my advice, hope it helps!

It doesn't always have to do with weight if the shoulders are wide or the head large. My son was a c-section because his head would never have passed. He is STILL, at 6 years old, at over the 90% for head size. He has been wearing adult baseball caps since 3 years old. Every nurse who brought him in while I was in the hospital commented on his head and that I never would have been able to deliver him. :)

My friend labored for hours when her son's shoulders became lodged. The nurse had to push the baby back insider her and then walked with her hand inside my friend to an emergency c-section to get the baby out. It was terrible. Not only did Kim have to labor and push for hours but then ended up with an emergency c-section in the end.

I would maybe get a second opinion on the situation but honestly, if they say the baby is big or that you might have difficulty delivering, I would opt for a c-section. I have had two and am having my third in February. I would have preferred natural delivery but am very satisfied with the safety of the c-section for my children. It might not be the best for me--but I know it is the best for my babies and that is the most important thing.

Hi K., Congrats! I had 6 kids and from my first pregnancy I was warned I may be needing a C section as I'm not that big. Well I never needed one. My babies ranged from 7lbs 14oz to 9lbs 9oz. I am very surprised your doctor would say you should schedule a C-section. The weight is not that big. Every delivery is at risk of SD. They haven'treally id risk factors that well. I read the risk at your baby's weight is .6 to 1.4%. Every delivery is also at risk of an emergency c-section. If I were you I would pray and put in the hands of God and not schedule the C-section. Ask your doctor specifics as to why your baby is at risk of SD more so than other babies, weight is not a reason. Get a second opinion too if that makes you feel better. You've delivered vaginally before so you know what to expect and should be able to relax during the contractions and assist in dilating well for your baby to come through. There are reasons to schedule C-sections, but from the info you have given it doesn't sound that there is enough evidence to require you to have one. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

Hello K.,

I'm a mother of 3, my first was a c-section. It was scary at first and a little tough to heal from, but after it's all said and done, you look back and it was nothing! Be strong, you'll be fine. After that first one I was able to have 2 natural births after that, so no worries. : )

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your baby!

I completely agree with researching this. Call other obs and midwives in your area, even for a consult to see what other opinions are out there. Look at reputable sights on the internet.

You have to do what is best for your family, but if you are in any way concerned about having a c-section I would look for other opinions.

K.,

This kind of a scenario is getting more and more common. Many OBs simply prefer c-section.

It is possible that the sonogram is off by up to 2 pounds one way or another. And the size of the baby is not usually as much an issue as is position.

Your baby could very well turn before or during delivery. There is a technique developed by Ina May Gaskin specifically for safely delivering a baby with shoulder distocia, although mostly only midwives use it.

I highly recommend you research this before signing up for the c-section. Henci Goer's book "The thinking woman's guide to a better birth" is very well-researched, and arranged by topic, so you would be able to read up on this without having to go through the whole book. Also, I highly encourage you to hire a doula, look at DONA international web site to find one near you. and bring her to your next appointment.

Even if it looks like c-section is likely, a more reasonable approach would be to let labor start on its own, try to have a vaginal birth, and go from there. There is no risk to waiting to see if things work out on their own, and lots of risk to a c-section.

don't be afraid to talk to another doctor at this point. I know you prob. don't feel like shopping around, but this is a serious enough decision to warrant a second opinion.

Best wishes and health to you and your baby,
A.

K.,

I would seek out a second doc through a friend's referral etc...just to get another opinion. If a second doc says the same thing based on your records/sono's, then by all means let that first doc do the surgery. Some docs will just schedule these because of money, some because of scheduling conflicts, but most just because there is something they feel COULD be a risk. While it can be scary, c-sections are very routine now. I had one with no complications for my son (his big head didn't fit into my pelvis), and it was ok. I actually kind of liked having it scheduled so I knew the time, etc and there wasn't the constant waiting around/worrying. Your decision, so you have to feel comfortable, but I would try to get a second opinion this week. Hope that helps!

My daughter wasn't at risk for Shoulder Dystocia, but my doctor did warn me that my pelvis was too small for a vaginal delivery and that a c-section would probably be best. Like you I was terrified of the thought of a c-section. I had CT scan that measured the size of her head and the size of my pelvis and my doctor went ahead and induced me and let me labor for 6 hours, but then she went into distress and I ended up having to have an emergency c-section.

As scared as I was and although it is major surgery, it was no big deal at all for me! I got out of bed and took a shower as soon as they told me I could and walked and moved around. When I went home four days later I didn't even fill the prescription for the pain medicine because I didn't feel that I needed it.

So if the c-section is all your worried about...don't! Do what is safest for your baby because believe me being in labor and having your baby go into distress and being terrified that something will go wrong is WAY scarier!!!

Good Luck!

While an episiotomy is a minor -- albeit painful and often unnecessary -- procedure, a cesarean section is major surgery, and 32 percent of Listening to Mothers II respondents had one. That's a higher rate than the 29 percent cited by Wagner, itself a steep increase from the 21 percent reported five years earlier. Given that WHO has calculated that the optimal rate of C-section for saving the most women and babies is between 10 and 15 percent, what's driving this trend?
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Certainly, in this age of rising malpractice insurance costs, obstetricians want to protect themselves from being sued. But Wagner also thinks that C-sections offer doctors a way to bring the most time-consuming part of their practice under their control. 'It means they can split their time between seeing patients in the office, doing gynecological surgical procedures in the hospital, and attending births, on a timetable of their choosing, and reduces the chance that they will be required to attend births at inconvenient times,' he writes. 'For some, it is perhaps their only chance to have a decent personal life.' Wagner also believes that our skyrocketing C-section rates are driven by the internal politics of the birth industry. By promoting cesareans, doctors are choosing a procedure that midwives cannot perform.

Even in an elective cesarean, a woman is almost three times more likely to die than in a vaginal birth. Beyond the immediate health risks, having a C-section decreases a woman's chance to become pregnant again and doubles the risk of an unexplained stillbirth in later pregnancies. In 2 to 6 percent of cesareans, a doctor accidentally cuts into a baby. Babies born from an elective C-section are twice as likely as babies born vaginally to end up in neonatal intensive care.

I have been in somewhat of the same situation. My Dr wanted to C-sec mine also. His heart rate dropped during labor and he was bearing down on me even though i was not fully dilated. I was really freaked out about this all cause I don't like the idea of any surgeries, but at the same time I didn't want anything happening to my son. He kept saying the baby was too big and that he was at 8 lbs. My Dr suggested one last ditch effort while in the OR, just in case he did have to do a c-sec. He had me push to see if I could get myself to dilate from a 7 to fully and deliver vaginally before anything happened to my son due to his heart rate dropping or me. His heart rate was dropping everytime a contraction came on and he pushed down on me like he was ready to come out. Fortunately with the grace of God, it worked and I delivered a happy healthy 6 lb 13 oz lil boy. It took a lil more work and was risky. I would honestly say get a 2nd opinion and from there you need to decide what you think would be best for you and your child. I would also do some online research.

I have had both vaginal and c-sections and eventhough my first (vaginal) was 9lbs 4ozs and had shoulder dystocia which caused my pelvis to fracture- I would rather have that than a c-section. My last two were both scheduled c-sections and I had complications with both (infections, extreme gas up to my neck with the second because they found "adhesions" and they had to take care of that which left me gutted for four hours....) I don't mean to scare you but God made us to give birth- naturally! Ask your doctor to induce you next week because you really prefer the natural method. You and the doctor can decide if during delivery you require a c-section. I would wait until then. Docs aren't bad but for one they get paid much more for c-sections (about 23K) and two they don't risk a malpractice suit. Just my thoughts...

Hi K., If it's any help to know that I "broke" my child (as he puts it!) during birth, then I would go with normal vaginal delivery. My height is 5'6" and I weigh around 130 normally. My second child came out 4 days late (induced) and weighed in at a whopping 9lbs. 13ozs. First baby was 7lbs 2ozs and third was 7lbs and 13ozs. No complications at all, normal pregnancy, just a large baby apparently that wanted out. All my kids are boys...

Anyway, I have had no problems since the birth, just broke his collarbone during birth because he was so big. He is a normal active and healthy 11 yr old now with a lot of attitude.

If you have any more questions, email me at ____@____.com luck and God Bless you and your family.

Hi K.,
I'll keep this short since you have so many responses. You should pray, google Shoulder Dystocia and ask your dr what percentage of C-sections he does compared to vaginal births. That will give you a clue as to his preference and whether or not he has another agenda. My dr is old as dirt and made it known to me upfront he prefers vaginal births. So when he suggested a c-section after 9 hours of labor b/c my son's heart rates wasn't returning to normal I listend to him and took his advice. The C-section wasn't what I planned, but I had to be open that things don't go as planned. After two weeks of following the Dr. recovery plan, I was driving and pretty much back to normal. The c-section wasn't as bad as everyone told me during my pregancy. May God Bless you and your family and your decision. D.

Hey I had my baby back in June and she was 4 weeks early and weighed 8lbs. 12oz. I had gestational diabetes and that is usually where the shoulder dystocia comes from my doctor also tried to force me to have a c-section but I stuck to my guns and said no! I labored fo about 9 hours and pushed for 40 minutes, everything went beautifully! They will try to force your hand because it is more convinient on the doctor. If you had a good labor with your first one then I would say no and just try to do it on your own. Hopefully it will work out the way you want!

I would google the term and see what you find. but I have had 3 c sections and my experience was good. I would maybe get a second oppinion and I would FOR SURE demand another if not several more sonos until the day of the sceduled c-section because babies can move positions all the time. my son was breach and turned the day before the scheduled c-section. we had a sono the morning of the scheduled c and he was head down already but was still too far up in the womb and he would never come down after I was induced so we had to do the c section any way.

Do what your instincts tell you but dont make your decision either way (to have a c or not) out of fear.
Good luck, A. J

K.,

check out this link http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040401/1707.html
to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It states possible risk factors (are any yours?) but also says that shoulder dystocia is almost impossible to predict. Personally I have seen way too many doctors push patients around for their own conveneince rather than the patients' health. One question I had is this - did the same doctor deliver your first child?

If it makes you feel any better, the doctors at my delivery were pushing me me to c-section because I was overdue, and not dialating though I was totally effaced. I'd had false labor for 4 days, and after 52 hours of the real thing, I vaginally delivered a perfectly healthy girl. If she had gone into distress, I would have c-sectioned in an instant, but she never did, so I won.

Anyway, best of luck to you, and at very least, get a second (or even third) opinion. NOBODY can really predict what's going to happen during a birth, but if you aren't diabetic, the reading I have done states that there is very little merit to the argument of a preventative c-section.

I would recommend that you do some online research. I am sure that your doctor is looking out for your baby's health and not trying to plan around a holiday trip.. I went through 8 hours of horrible labor pains and getting NO where because my daughter's head was too large and ended up getting a C-section after 8 hours..

My daughter was NOT a happy baby and I was told about the "possible" bruising around her eyes, neck and shoulders because I had been going through contractions and she had been pushed into a "brick wall". I wish I would have been able to schedule the C-section. My poor daughter didn't want to be touched for at least 2 weeks due to the trauma and bruising she suffered.

Ultimately, it's up to you what you do but.. I would go the safest way.

Good Luck!

J.

Hi K.,

A C-Section sounds scary because its surgery but, you should do whats best for you and your baby. I had my baby boy 2 years ago and I was scheduled to have him vaginally and he also was early but, I tried to have him vaginally but, I just couldn't..... they say that I had a small pevic and he was unable to fit through so I had a C-section and I was scared to death but, he came out healthy and strong....and because he came out healthy and strong his Hawaiian name is Ikaika which means "strong warrior". So my advice is maybe you can try to have your baby vaginally at first and if she seems to be stressed about coming out then maybe you can have the C-section. I hope I didn't confuse you even more. I wish you all the best with your baby. Take care of yourself and your baby!! :--)

Good Luck,
M.