Who's Had a Big Baby?

How do you know how big the baby will be.The Drs cn be wrong.When I was pregant with my son was told he would be at least ten pounds and thn 2 weeks before he was born told he would be 14 pounds and when he was born he was 9lb 8oz

My daughter was 10 lbs, 15 oz...I did end up having a c-section but tried to push for awhile (with no luck). Don't worry! It's fun to tell big baby stories afterwards. :)

Good luck and enjoy every moment!

D.

Your doctor should be able to measure the baby's head and the opening of your pelvic bone to see if there is enough room. This is what causes the problems, not a heavy baby. My son was 2 1/2 weeks early and weighed 7.5lbs. I pused for 1hour 10 minutes before he was born and the nurse said if he had been any bigger I wouldn't have been able to have him (I am 5 ft too). Bt 5 years latter my daughter came and she weighed 8 lbs even and came after only bout 30 min of pushing. I did have epidurals with both but had to be induced which makes contractions much more painful) with my son because my water broke and I wasn't progressing. I had episiotomies with both but they healed w/o any complications. All inall I thought labor and deliver was a piece of cake compared to my pregnancies. That's a whole other story though. Trust your instinct. If your doctor is pushing for induction or section, find out why he/she feels so strongly about it Then present your views. There should be no reason for at least starting out naturally. I do however reccomend keeping an open mind throughout the process. Some times things are unavoidable (like my stalled labor with my son) even with the pitocin it was still a wonderful experince. Even though it didn't go exactly how I would have liked, I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy in my arms. The epidural didn't effect him at all. He was awake and alert and nursed almost immediately and was actually very alert the whole day. Bottom line: Don't let anyone bully or pressure you, and just do what you feel is best for you and your baby.

My youngest boy was 10 lb 3oz at birth. I was 125 pregregnancy and 5'5''. I had him with NO drugs! Don't let the doctors scare you with all the big baby stuff! You can do it! And you DON"T need major abdominal surgery to birth your baby. Just remember, ultrasounds can be up to 2 lbs off. They are not accurate at predicting the size of the babies. If you want more info, PLEASE feel free to message me.

Hi- I am a L+D nurse. Do not worry, God made you for this. You would be amazed at the little girls I see punch out 10 lb babies and not even so much as tear. The key is for you not to worry and relax! It lets all those muscles open and your hip bones just spread and let the baby through!! With that said, be prepared for surprises and don't be disappointed if things don't go just the way you have planned. Since this is your first pregnancy you have a lot of unknowns. The goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mom. I wish I could be your nurse and help you. I love first time parents and helping moms through labor who have a plan. Best wishes, drink lots of water, get lots of rest... it won't be long!

My son was 8 lbs at birth. I was induced at 38 weeks due to his size (my midwife was scared that he would be 10 or more) in relation to my pelvis. Unfortunatly the outer hip does not tell us how big our pelvic opening is. I tried to labor naturally fo 14 hours and at 7 centimeters I gave up. Between the pitocin and having artifically broke the water I wasn't able to handle the pain. 3 hours later I started to push and my son was 'face-up' and he got stuck. The doctor who ended up doing my c-section told me that my pelvis was shaped like a lemon, oval like, and not round enough for any baby over 5 lbs to come through. I'm not a petite woman, 5'3" but 170 lbs pre-pregnancy.

My advice would be to ask your doctor/midwife what they thought. If they have any doubts they will tell you. My midwife told me I was smaller than most women, but she also knew that I needed to at least try and have a natural delivery.

Good luck and God bless!

Hey Ana,

I'm sure you're getting a range of responses, but I want to encourage you regarding your natural birth choice. I am 5'4," my baby was 9lbs 10oz at birth, and he was born through natural childbirth. In total honesty, the pushing stage was very difficult (I pushed for 3 hours) because we were working to clear his head past my pelvic bone. I had excellent coaching through the pushing stage though, and we made it through without the assistance of forceps, vacuum, etc. Remember that birth weight predictions are very unreliable despite the confidence with which the information may be delivered by your physician. Keep that in mind as people start to recommend induction as a response to this information. Induction greatly decreases your chances of having a natural childbirth and increases your chances of a c-section. At 39 weeks, you may not have time to do much reading, but "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer is an excellent resource that might help you weigh your choices.

Best wishes for your birth day! :)

First of all...having a big baby is a BLESSING!! Really! My first baby was only 6lb. 15oz, and my second was 8lb. 12 oz. and let me say right off the bat that big babies are easier!! They are more content, and don't feel like they have to eat all the time! Now having said that. I am 5'3'', and only weigh 100 pre pregnancy. It was a tougher labor, and longer with my large baby, but I did have him naturally. I had a great doctor, and I waited to get my epidural until later in the game:). I had to get that, and am glad I did.
Just wait until you have to have it so it doesn't wear off when it is time to push that large baby out:).
How exciting!! It is all worth it in the end. My little/big boy is great, and is such a sweet baby! Take care! Hope that helps:).

First of all don't be scared your body can handle it! Regardless of how big or small you are, your body will handle it. Believe me, 6 weeks ago I delivered a 10lb 5oz boy at home with a midwife. AND I didn't tear at all.
Do yourself a favor and watch Ricki Lake's documentary called "The business of being Born" this will help you alot to realize what your body does and will help to confirm that you want to go naturally. & what all the meds will do to your baby.
Just relax. You will be fine. Don't let anyone talk you into anything you don't want.
Good luck!

Hi Ana,

Way to go for at least considering natural childbirth as an option! Don't let the doctors or other moms scare you. Your body was designed to do the work of having a baby without any medication, no matter what your size. Both of my boys were over 9 pounds at birth. I have done it both ways - the first with medication (against my birthplan I was talked into it at the last minute)and the second without any pain medication at all. My experience with an epidural was horrible. The details are too long and disgusting to go into, but I will say that after all I went through with being talked into it, getting it put in, etc... it only worked on half of my body. The experience was not at all the way I wanted the birth of my first child to go. When it was over I was practically incoherent. I felt so groggy and out of it that I couldn't even enjoy my new baby. The second time around I decided to take full control of the situation. I hired a doula to be an advocate between me, my husband, and the hospital staff. Trust me, if you want to go natural in a hospital you are going to have some issues with the staff. Be prepared. Stand your ground and don't let them bully you! I also did the Bradley Method classes to help prepare myself for giving birth naturally. Preparation is a must! You must know how to work with your body in the different stages of labor. If you are unprepared for this you will become scared and then you'll end up taking the drugs - that's what happened to me the first time. The second time with no drugs I got right up from having had the baby and went straight to the bathroom by myself (no catheter, no IV bag). I walked down the hall to my hospital room and nursed my baby with no problems at all, and let me tell you - I was on the biggest natural high I've ever felt in my life. It was the best moment of my life. I get so angry when I think that the first time could, and should have been that way, but because I allowed myself to be pushed into something that "everyone does" it wasn't.

I hope you will do all you can to have your baby naturally. Best of Luck!

Everyone is different! It's hard to make blanket statements. Some very large women (like me) are built to have babies, according to the drs, yet I always labored for hours and hours. 5 of my 7 babies were 9+ lbs. Part of it depends on whether or not your baby's head will cone. Mine never did. Baby#2 had a 15" head measurement, perfectly round; everyone said, "Oh, such a pretty head - must have been c-section." I wish!

On the other side, I have a friend who probably never weighed 95 lbs unless she was pregnant, about 4'10" and delivered 10lb babies at home with no problem. I don't understand that, but it happens! I actaully know several very petite women who have had good-sized babies with little difficulty.

If you are working with a midwife, she will help a lot with everything - not just catching! LOL! Midwives are great about helping the delivery go as smoothly as possible, whereas hospitals are more about convenience. In my case, I always had them in the hospital, but with the 5th that was good because the cord prolapsed. Had it been a home birth, the baby would have died.

If you have a hospital delivery, you can request a doulah (sp?) and they help a lot with making the passageway as pliable as possible...something you will not get a nurse to do. The doulah can make the difference between having an episiotomy and not. She's also extremely helpful at keeping you calm and relaxed, which will help the delivery.

Above all, try to relax and think about how wonderful it will be to have it all over and cuddling your beautiful new gift from God! Some deliveries are more difficult than others, but they all pass! And you are rewarded for your pain with a new little baby!

Hey Ana. I wanted to let you know that the Doctor told
me that my 1st child was going to be over 8lbs and he ended up being only 6lbs, 3ozs! They are not always right. I had a lot of ultrasounds due to gestational diabetes and they still got it way off! Two pounds is a huge difference.
I wish you the best and don't worry, it will work out one way or the other. I ended up with a c-section b/c my pelvic area was not very wide (who new?). It does not really matter in the long run how they get here. Once you see that precious gift from God you won't even know why you were worried.
Best wishes,
A.

hi ana,
your doctor will be better able to judge this, but really what matters is your bone structure...sounds like the baby may just be too big, and you might want to consider a c-section...rather than wait until you go through labor and then end up with one anyway...my first child was 8lbs 2oz...and breech...so i found out the day before he was born that i had to have a c-sec. i was upset, at first, but it really was the safest way to have him. once i got over the fact that the birth wasn't going to be as i had planned, i was okay with it...and he was born without complication. that's better than forceps, vaccum, etc...and then sometimes emergency section...talk to your doctor...and good luck!

I'm 5'3" and same as you, was a tiny thing before I had my first child. I think my doctor was having some misgivings close to time to deliver, and actually sent me to have some xrays to determine my ability to have a vaginal birth vs c-section. Everything looked okay, and I went on to deliver an 8 lb. 3 1/2 ounce baby boy in a completely natural delivery (no drugs). 2nd one was 7-11 and shot out like a paintball! LOL! If you have concerns, bring them up with your dr.. Your size isn't necessarily going to determine how big a baby you can deliver. (*"*)

My baby was 9 lbs. 4 oz., got stuck, stopped breathing, and broke her collar bone.(she's fine now though) I was induced and wanted to have her naturally but ended up begging for painkillers and a epidural, and should have had a C section. In contrast my friend had 3 babies all over 9 pounds with no drugs and no problems. It really just depends on your body and your tolerance for pain. I would just keep discussing your options with your doctor and keep an open mind. Also, try not to fear what will happen. When it comes down to it you will do what is best for you and your baby. I went into labor with false expectations and was depressed afterward that I did not live up to those expectations. Good luck! I hope I didn't scare you too much and I hope everything goes well for you. Remember that just because I had a bad experience doesn't mean you will :)

My first child weighed 9lbs and 2oz. He was very big. I weighed 110, and 5 ft 6 in on my first pre-baby visit with him. I had a great pregnancy, but I could not deliver him b/c he was so big. They did let me try to have him and I progressed easily, but he was just too big for me to push through the birth canal. The c-section was not bad at all. The best advice with I can give you if you have to have a c-section is too get out of that bed as soon as they let you and walk as much as possible. The more you move after a c-section the better you will feel. I H. you will be able to have your baby.

I agree with whaat some of the moms are saying they really dont know the size of the baby they are just estimated guesses they thought my 2nd would be 8.5 lbs and she was 10lbs even I am 5'7 though so Im pretty tall. I had her naturally in a tub and it was an awsome experience. I wouldnt worry about the size if you are going to a midwife they usually have DRs on call and could get you to an emegency c section if that was needed. I have heard a lot of cases where drs call for a c section and the baby is a lot smaller then they said, I think a lot of Drs just dont want the hassle. The best thing to do is relax, your body knows what to do and we have great technology to day incase any prblems arise. Good luck

Hi Ana, Congrats on your first baby. I stand five foot three and weighted 103lbs when I concieved. I weighted 116 when my baby was borned. It weighted 10lb 8oz. So 8lbs sounds pretty normal to me. I figure 6 to 8 lbs are where most healthy babies come into this world.
V.

My little one was 9lbs 13 ozs at birth, I am 5' and at that time weighed 90lbs. I had a natural birth and she is now 23 yrs old and doing fine. So don't sweat the small things just love them.

Hi Ana - I delivered two sons, my first weighed 9lbs, 9.5 oz; and my second weighed 9 lbs, 4 oz. I delivered both of them vaginally. I am 5'4" and weighed about 110 each time before becoming pregnant. I didn't know they were that large until after they were born. I think in this case it is what you know that can hurt you.

Giving birth was, in both cases, absolutely the most incredible experience ever! I wish you the best!

I just had a 9lbs 5oz baby all natural. Your size on the outside is not relative to your insides and how much you'll stretch. My mother is a normal-size woman and has delivered two 11 plus lbs babies. I'd suggest going into labor with the idea of natural childbirth and then taking a wait and see approach. It is not unmotherly to have pain medicine during childbirth- and I'm all for no medication- so don't feel bad if you do require it. Also, an epidural is not your only choice. I've had pain medication in my IV that takes the edge off the contractions without making me totally numb. Good Luck!!

For one thing, it's not about how big the baby it, it's head size. If the baby's head is normal, you're fine. There's also no way to establish how large the baby is prior to birth--u/s are notoriously off by more than a pound. Also, 8 pounds is not a large baby. :) Typically, you won't grow a baby larger than your body can deliver. Good luck, and you can do it!

And please, please ignore the horror stories people have posted below. Those are rare, and it is NOT OKAY to just induce (unless you want a baby with lung problems) or just get a c-section (unnecessary major surgery that DOES cause problems for the baby). I don't know why people who are ill-informed feel like they need to spread it around or frighten people, but ignore them. Just because they are clueless and medicalized their births doesn't mean you need to.

Hi there i know this an old thread but if anyone can get some peace reassurance from my story i'm willing to tell. all my babies were big my 3rd was a planned homebirth i'm 5ft. 5inch. and only gained around 15 pound the whole pregnancy eating healthy. i was all baby in the belly region i was told my baby boy will probably only weigh around an average 7 pounds or so boy were they wrong i delivered him 2 days after my due date at home the birth was awesome relaxed, quiet and in the zone the whole time. anyway he came out fast soo fast we had him in our hallway on my way crawling to my bedroom from the master bath he had big head and wide shoulders my midwife was amazed how easy i made it look given he weighed 8ib. 9oz. was 22 1/2 inch. long with a head circumference of 14cm. and i forget shoulder measures but they were wide i had to do an extra hard push for that part. i did it all while calm and relaxed and no tearing or anything i didn't tear with my other 2 either though. and they were all big too.... so i hoped this helped anyone our bodies are made for this don't let people scare you, even doctors!!!

A doctor's estimate about a baby's birth weight is not always correct so don't worry too much. They were way off with my first baby and with my second the Dr. did not guess as he said it is just an estimate and often incorrect. However, my second baby was 9 lbs. 10 oz. I am almost 5 ft. 4 in. and not a large built person. I did have her vaginally believe it or not. Just because you are petite does not mean you can not deliver a large baby. It all depends on the size of your pelvis. I have some very petite friends who went through labor and delivery like a breeze and others who are not small women who had rough deliveries. Try not to stress and worry as it will hinder your body doing what it needs to do during the labor and delivery. I hope all goes well. Keep us posted! Congratulations!

first of all, i would like to say that it is not necessarily accurate that your baby will be 8 or more pounds. i do know some women who have heard accurate predictions, but most women (including me) heard predictions that were off by at least a pound. i was told my daughter would be 9 pounds, and she was only 8. ( i say only because i am 5'8", though i have a very thin frame, normally a 2.)

secondly, trust your body and your doctors. your body is made to have babies! you are a woman, and your body can do amazing things. my 5'3", teeny tiny mother delivered me, an 8 1/2 lb-er, and my older brother, a nearly 10 lb-er, with no problems.

your body will do exactly what it is supposed to do. and while having a birth plan is a lovely idea, and a good way to feel some control over a highly uncontrollable event, do not have a closed mind. if you decide you need an epidural, get it. you are still amazing. and if your doctors decide you need a c-section, have it done. they are looking out for the safety of your child - something you will spend the rest of your life doing.

no matter how it happens, you are going to have a baby, and it is going to be an experience you will never, ever forget. blessings!!

Ana listen to your doctors advice every woman is built differently. My son was 9 lbs/13 1/2oz,21 1/2 inches long,ihad him natural.I was up walking that evening,by the 4th day i was doing light exercise recomended by the docter.Bottom line take it one day at a time,enjoy your pregancy.You and your doctor will know if your body can take it.Good Luck!Wish other mom would go natural.

I have been through labor with two big girls. My first was 9 pounds, 9 ounces and 19.5 inches long. My second was 9 pounds, 5 ounces and 21.5 inches long. I had more than double the normal amount of amniotic fluid with both. (I was huge!)

I am 5'5" and 118 when not pregnant.

Labor was induced 10 days before my due date with both girls. I had epidurals with both. And, I pushed both of them out during the third big push. Everyone is shocked when they find out I had vaginal deliveries. And, while I have nothing to compare it to — since both of my girls were delivered the same way and were nearly the same size — but labor was easy for both. I did tear with both of them, but had only a few stitches and I recovered quickly after both deliveries.

Just keep a positive attitude about it. I don't think I would have had as easy a time without the epidurals. I don't normally like to take medication, but in the case of delivering big babies, I was okay with it!

Good luck!

Ultrasounds are so notoriously inaccurate for sizing estimates, and way more likely to OVERestimate than to underestimate, that I would be leery of making a big decision based on that. I've even talked to pro-natural birth, pro-midwife practices that don't even do them. I had two almost 7-pound twins completely naturally, and then my next OB (we had moved) wanted to schedule a C-section for my son without even trying labor b/c an ultrasound told her he was 8.5 lbs 3 weeks out -- it turned out he weighed just that much when he was born 3 weeks later.

Also, there are benefits to the time you spend in labor even if you eventually have a C-section. Going through contractions does a lot to get the baby ready for the big, bad world out here, and I think I would feel like at least I had given it a try that way.

Best of luck! The best advice I got for my first birth was to keep an open mind about it all. Also, if you happen to live in the Atlanta area, I can recommend some great doulas. Whether you end up hiring one or not, they could give you some great info even on the phone.

V.

I was concerned about whether or not I would be able to have a natural birth as I was 115lbs and 5'2". The doctor finally decided to perform a scheduled cesarian when my little one was a week overdue. I had been hoping to have a natural delivery, and previously the doctor thought I could, but I just wasn't dilating and the baby was breech. After the procedure, the doctor looked at me and said, "it's a good thing we did the cesarian because you NEVER would have pushed her out." My daughter was 8lbs 10oz. and nearly two feet long! If you can have a natural delivery, that's great, but don't feel bad if you can't. The most important thing is the health an well-being of you and that precious little one you are about to meet. Good luck to you both!

Just so you know... studies have shown that a mother's estimate of her baby's size is much more accurate than the doctor's. Don't let them psych you out, girl! You can do it! Most OBs would prefer to do a C-section on ANY patient and many are manipulative. I say get a doula and a midwife and your chances of having the birth that you desire are far greater! I switched providers at 37 weeks and had mine totally natural (although it was a 28 hour process).

Ana

Please know this is not to scare you!!! My sister is very petite and seems to have a similar build to you. She has a very small bone structure and is roughly 5'1" at the most! Her first child was a normal delivery. She did it naturally and my neice was maybe 6lbs. Her second child was a big baby. If I am not mistaken he was over 8lbs. He had a tough time. He eventually got stuck in the birth canal and had to be "removed" as quickly as possible. There was no room for the doctor to get her fingers or hands in to assist so they had to make room. My poor sisiter!!! My nephew actually ended up with a broken colar bone and a very buised face. The doctor was also my choice for OB/GYN so I trust her very much and her decisions. It was just one of those moments. With this being your first pregnancy, I understand the desire to deliver naturally. I feel it is best for both mom and baby too. However, you have to accept reality at some point and weigh your options. If it is going to add unneeded pain and worry, then ask for a c-section. I know many women who have had one and their children are perfectly normal and healthy. I know delivering small children is not easy and it was very painful. I could not imagine what my sister had to go through without the help of any drugs. Everything happened too soon for her to opt out! Best of luck and again...do not be afraid!! You are the mom and you already know what is best for you and your baby. It honestly comes natural. Women have been having babies much longer than either of us can imagine. Our bodies are amazing and can do amazing things when pushed to that limit!!

Ok Ana....becarfull with your diet....so you don't gain so much weight, for me las month is was the month I gained 4 lb per week...and be open mind to see what your doctor said, I had two friends they are small size, and had a 9 lb baby and they end it up with a c section..keep in your mind you want to have a healthy baby and no complication...maybe your next baby you will have a natural delivery....Good luck
Pam

Hi Ana,
If your heart is set on a natural birth and you have a good midwife, it will be no problem. I was your same size and had a completely natural birth that lasted 24hrs. This included 5 full hours of pushing! Just have your babies heartrate monitored occassionaly and as long as he/she is good, and you then keep going. The best thing that helped me was sitting in the whirlpool. I spent most of my time there. For me, she came when she was ready. I did have to get a episotomy to prevent tearing so bad but I had that healed in a few days (let me know later if you need that info:)) She ended up being 7.7lbs but the procedure would have been the same if she was 10lbs. Good for you for being strong! Let us know:) Many blessings!

I am 5' 1" and weigh approx 125 not pregnant. My daughter weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz at birth. My son, the second child, weighed 9lbs. 4 oz. It was a very difficult pregnancy at the end and a very difficult delivery. I had him naturally however, we did experience problems. I would voice my concerns LOUD AND CLEAR to your doctor. I made comments and told my doctor that I was concerned that this baby was much bigger than my first. He passed off my concerns and said that this baby would be more of an average size. He did not do an ultra sound after 20 weeks. I also ended up have post pardom preclampsia and was readmitted to the hospital for high blood pressure. Yes, having a big baby can be done naturally but, it may not be the delivery that you would desire. Good luck. Let us know how it goes!

The size of you has nothing to do whether you can birth a big baby or not. I've known people (I go to the OB twice a week and am pregnant as well) that are very petite and small like you and have birthed 11 pound babies naturally just fine. It just depends on your 'makeup' of your hips and so forth.

Some people just birth big babies. Although I'm not one of them, I have a friend who had a 9 pound 6 ounce baby for her very first child. Her sisters and mother just birth big babies.

You should be totally fine. I pushed for 3 1/2 hours with my first and he was almost 7 1/2 pounds and they thought he would be over 8 pounds. Remember, the ultrasounds aren't 100% accurate, even with today's time. I'm pregnant with my 5th and it's never been accurate...maybe within a half of a pound.

Well I had an 8lb baby just 3 months ago. I can tell you from experience the pain of labor is the same regardless of the size of the baby. I didn't have an epidural until I was 9 1/2 cm (not by choice, I wanted it as soon as possible). By the time I had the epidural put in I had to start pushing and he was out in 3 pushes. So I really didn't feel the affects of the medication until after he was born. The only reason I wanted the epidural in the first place was because I thought the pain of having him would be too much for me to handle, but I barely felt him coming out. I felt more pain from labor (getting to 10cm) than the pushing. I also have a 2yr old son who was born 4lbs and again the worse part was the labor not the pushing. It is all a mind thing. If you have a great coach then it will be alot easier. Stay focused on the end result and I'm sure you will do fine.

Well I am 5'11" and more than twice your pre-pregnancy weight before my pregnancies. I assume that by natural you mean no drugs? or maybe vaginal? My first, son, was 8lbs 15oz and 20in at 39 weeks. I had staydol, etc. and then got the epidural. I was inexperienced and therefore pushed wrong, they eventually had to turn the epi drip down and practically off. I screamed non stop and eventually got it done. My first advice is to push like you are pooping. I know that the baby comes out the other hole but if you poop the baby out it will be much easier. My second child, daughter was 10lbs 6 oz and 21 in. I had staydol and was told to rest that it would be a while I was only a 1. I woke up two hours later screaming and never stopped. I woke up a 4. She ordered and epidural. They arrived thirty minutes later to insert the epidural and could not get it in. I continued to scream. They asked if it was because of the back poking pain or her. I screamed that I thought she was coming out. The dr. said to check me since I need to readjust and sit different anyway. the nurse jumped up and said she is coming. I never got the epidural and literally had to wait for a doctor (not pushing but her still coming). I had four pooping pushes and she was out. I screamed so loud that my husband joked yesterday at her birthday party that he is still deaf in one ear. He said that he never heard a person scream so much and he has been to war and seen people get shot. Literally I had people from other rooms ask me if I was the one screaming with the big baby once they saw me in the hall walking. I will tell you that I felt a faster recovery from the no epi delivery but I screamed sooooo much more. Honestly with you being so tiny I would elect drugs, cutting down there not tearing, and maybe even a csection. I am built big so I think my frame can handle delivering bigger babies. Oh another word, I have a tilted cervex and because she wanted to come so fast, it never tilted forward and got in position. She spread my (I dont remember what to call it)hip bone connection thing and I still have to get chiropractic adjustments. Not to scare you just to get you the whole story. Good luck.

i had a 9 lb baby....but i was as small as you. I had a vaginal pregnanacy but his head did get stuck under my pelvic bone and after an hour of pushing they finally sucked him the rest of the way out. However one of my friends just had a child and she was small like you and her baby was almost 8 lbs. She actually had to have a c-section performed. But that was because of the baby's heartrate drop quickly. I think you will be fine...many women of all sizes have large babies...our bodies were made for it...if it's not going to work then the doctors may have to perform a c-section...but i wouldn't worry about it....you need to get rest because after that baby comes you won't have much time for rest anymore....good luck

Hi, Ana...first of all, congratulations! I'm not as petite as you (5'6 and 133 pre-1st pregnancy), but I've had two babies naturally. The first was 7lbs 8oz. My doctor cut an episiotomy with her, so I'll never know if I would have torn or not. Interestingly, he thought she would be only about 6 lbs, based on my weight gain and how I was carrying. My second was 8lbs 7oz, no cuts, no tears.

I have a good friend (of average frame, who delivered naturally as well) whose first was 7lbs 3oz and she tore badly; her second was 9lbs 2oz and she had no cuts, no tears.

So you just never know. The primary concern is that the bony pelvis is large enough for baby to fit through; the soft tissues are surprisingly pliable and, if injured one way or another, should eventually heal! And if there is time during delivery, maybe someone can help you by stretching things out down there.

Best to you. I wish you a beautiful delivery of a healthy baby, and soon!

Mine second one was big, which is a big difference. If you are planning a natural delivery, do you have plans to have a doula?. I would highly recommend a doula for the first delivery regardless of the baby's size. It will prepare your body during early stages and help you get where you need to be (prepared!).

Also, they said my son would be 8.5 lbs (he was my first) and he was 7 lbs, so don't give up on your delivery. Just go in educated on all the options. There is a great book by Henci Goer called the Thinking Womans Guide to a Better Birth. I thought it was a little out there at first, but after the first horrible delivery doing nothing she discusses, and a second dream delivery (with a 8 lb little girl and I weighed a little more than 100 at pregnancy) doing what she did suggest, I learned "out there" is not too bad. There are so many things that happen during natural birth that are necessary for baby and mom, don't throw it out unless you are forced (by circumstances, not doctors). Also, keep in mind, that especially for the first birth, one intervention leads to another. The book explains that better.

Best of luck and congrats! J.

Well I'm 5'3" & my first child was 8lbs 6oz & 21 1/2 in. long I delivered her naturally w/o an epidural at 38wks, my second child was 10lbs 11oz & 21 in long she was also a natural delivery w/o an epidural at a little over 38 wks, my third child was 10lbs 12oz & 21 1/2 in long he was delivered naturally w/o an epidural at a little over 38 wks but I did take 2 ibuprofen after giving birth to him. I am due 2/5/13 w/my fourth child, a girl, & at 35 wks he was weighing 8lbs 8oz. I am planning on having her naturally w/o an epidural as well. All labors were intense but I wouldn't change a thing. They are worth all the pain & I tell myself "if my grandmother had nine kids, all home births, w/no pain meds then I can do it too."

Hello,

I was exactly the same weight/height proportion 5 years back when I was pregnant with my first baby, as you are now. In my 39th week, after doing an ultrasound my doctor advised me that it will be very difficult for me to deliver such a big baby and also that they would like to induce me soon as with 1 more week the baby will grow more (put on more weight), so its no point waiting now. We decided a date and they induced me in the morning, but my little girl was too lazy to move down on her own so we just waited for almost 7-8 hours and there was very little dilation. Around 4 PM I started developing some fever and also started shivering so the doctor decided to go for a c-section and at around 6 PM she was there in my arms and in my world.
I think c-section is not that bad as long as you take precautions after the delivery and take rest as much as possible and eat a good/healthy diet.

I wish you good luck for your delivery.

I've had two big babies, and am not a big person. Birth is the same whether you have big babies or not! My son was over 9 pounds, my daughter was 8 and a half pounds. I gave birth to both of them at home with a midwife, safe and sound.
On all fours is a great position to help open up, we ended up on my back pulling the knees way up by my ears to get my son's head unstuck from my pelvis, but it had nothing to do with him being big, he just had a huge head (15 inches) that was positioned against my pelvis rather than under it.
You can do it, and you can do it naturally, your body doesn't make a baby that isn't able to come out, trust that! Stick with your plan, and don't let the doctors scare you. good luck to you!

I have had 2 babies, 7'12 and 7'13. I know it doesn't sound big but I am very small and petite too. After having an unplanned c section with the first baby, I was planning on going as natural as possible and had hired a doula with the second. I did this after talking to people and being encouraged that it IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE to have a beautiful, natural birth even with a "big" baby. I know ladies who have done it. So I say GO FOR IT!! It really has everything to do with your bones and his head and nothing to do with overall size. So I wish you the best!! Let me know what happens.

One of my sister in law's was 5'1 and 110lbs prepregnancy and she had my nephew who was 9lb 10oz with no problems. The other was 5'2 and about 95 lbs and she had 3 children ranging from 9lb 5oz to 10lb 2oz. Both women had them NATURAL with no drugs. So you can as well as long as your body produces enough of the hormone to allow your ligaments and joints to spread. As for the ultrasound or whatever method was used to tell you the baby was big. Those are not always accurate. Matter of fact I was watching Baby Story and they said the baby was gonna be big and was born average. I have had SEVERAL friends who were told their babies might be too big and they all came out average. So don't worry your body will adjust and you should have no problems. Good Luck!!
P.S. Mine were 8lb 4oz and 8lb 6oz and my 3rd is due in 2 weeks. Of course I am bigger than you but like I said my sister in law's were your size. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Hi,

I am 5'3" and weighed 115 pounds when I got pregnant. My first boy was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and my second boy was 9 lbs. 4oz. and they were both vaginal deliveries. The first was with an epideral and the second was natural. I used a nurse midwife for both and never tore at all. They lubricated the area so that it wouldn't tear. I don't think doctors do that kind of stuff. You can do it! You can do all things through Christ! Blessings

My mom gave birth to me and my brother without drugs and we were both 9lb babies. Shes also only 5'2 and weighed the same prepregnancy for my brother but weighed more prepregnancy for me. I dont know if that helps you any. I'm just letting you know my mom did it twice.

Actually being petite doesn't matter. It's all about how well your hips separate in preparation for birth and if you dilate fully and correctly. A number of very small women give birth to really large babies with no problems and some large-framed women have to have c-sections. 8lbs isn't too bad -now if you're talking over 10, they may want to do a c-section, but unfortunately from most experience I know of, they're often off a bit when estimating weight. I have a friend who is tiny who had a 10.5 pounder and a friend who is really large who had a 9.5 pounder and they both had terrible problems. However I know a woman who is about your size who had an 11 pound baby -yes -11 pounds! -in about 4 hours. I would just wait until I went into labor and have two plans established in your head (once you get into labor and delivery things will change, but it's nice to have an idea of what you want). Be prepared to get an epidural and be prepared for a c-section if things have to be that way, but other than that -think positively, prepare to give birth using whatever natural method you want to use, and go for it!

Actually, you should be able to have that baby just fine. Ultrasounds can be off up to one pound in either direction. And your size isn't relevant unless you have small pelvic bones, not a common problem in most women. so best of luck on the birth you want. Stay home as long as possible when labor starts and be sure to move and stay hydrated. Those will all help that big baby to come down and out. Good luck!

Dear Ana -
I am a midwife - so, althought i have never had a big baby, I have certainly delivered many big babies. One of my good friends is about your size, and she recently delivered a 9+ lb baby - during a normal and fast delivery. There are some things you can do during prengnacy that will make your delivery smoother - if you are interested - ask me - and I will send you a longer email (____@____.com).

As a midwife, I love to see women have beautiful birthing experiences - but to focus more on birth and less on parenting is out of balance. Birth is only a few hours, but parenting is for the rest of your life. Hang in there - you are in for a wonderful ride!

Blessings,
L. :)

I have an 11 month old who was 10lbs 14ounces at birth. An 8 pound baby is a perfect size. Ultrasounds are not always accurate on weight. I applaud you for going for the natural childbirth, and I PERSONALLY know MANY women who have had much larger babies at home. Everyone is different but until there is a major issue I would'nt let it scare you to much. It is very normal to worry too much with your first baby. If you can find an actual midwife, she could help you understand more details and concerns about natural childbirth. It was going to the hospital and the doctors that ruined it for me. Good Luck and congratulations

Ana-

A great place to find inspiration for natural laboring and birth stories is www.mothering.com-- go to the discussion boards or click on birth stories. Most are homebirth stories, the overwhelming majority are so empowering--just don't read the sad ones. Your belief in your body's natural ability to birth is probably the best way to prepare.

I'm not much taller than you and my first baby weighed
8 lbs. 1 oz. My second weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. and the third 9 lbs. even. The only thing with my first child was the cord was wrapped around her neck twice and very tightly, so she had to be delivered quickly. I did have Demerol with her, Staydol? and protocin with my second (induced labor) and nothing with my third.
As long as you trust your Dr. that he or she will do what's in the best interest for you and the baby, then you should be fine.

Well, this always frustrates me because the doctors should know that an 8 pound baby is too big for a tiny girl l ike you. My friend went through this recently and they took him 2 weeks early so she could atleast have a chance and even then it was pretty rough but she did it. I, on the other hand, had two babies both preemies and very small so I never had this problem. Talk to your Dr. There is nothing worse than going through 20 h ours of labor and 'still' getting a c section.
On a positive note, my best friend had her baby at the same time I did and she is tiny, not short but very small framed and had an 8 pound baby but she had a pretty long tear. She was still thankful she had him naturally. So you would be surprised what your body can do!!
Talk to your Dr.
Goodluck

My kids where both large , one had to be pulled out by forcups the other one had to be c sectioned out. first one was 8lbs 4 oz , the second was 9lb 5oz. 9 days early. They were both too large for me to push out with out help. the bigger one's head was too big to come out so he got stuck in the birth canal,his lungs were full of fluid and he was in NICU for a week. I don't want to scare you but yes you may have to have help. I wouldn't put an absolute on no drugs because you may indeed need them my first labor was all back labor so my contractions never stopped I had no space to breath between them.

I say deffinately try for it but don't put having pain meds out as an option if you need them. Also dont labor on your back, side or try walking around it does help but it was not allowed to because they wanted to keep me on monitors.

Hi Ana,
I am slightly taller than you and put my son of 8lbs 12oz on this world. I was really surprised about his weight when they put him on the scale and asked if they could do it again. I had good deal of belly but nobody had every given me an estimate of how big the baby was or would be. And I am very glad they didn't. It seems like a hard job to really gestimate close to the actual weight as my friend experienced with her 2 girls - the gestimates were more than 2 pounds off and the babies weight less than they had predicted...

I had back labor, which was very painful, but it was all worth it. Although it took a very long time - 21h from start of contractions to the actual birth - the birth went fine.
Good luck and I wish you a smooth big moment and a wonderful baby.

My son was 9 lbs. 8 oz. Getting his head out was the hard part. It was 19 in, which is apparently HUGE. I was in labor (induced, which people say is harder, although I have no point of reference) for 11 hours. I had an epideral and was very thankful that I did. I waited about 5 hours to get it, because I didn't want it to slow things down. Don't let anyone lie to you. Childbirth does not feel like being tickled by kittens. It hurts, but it is not inhuman pain. I think duration is the big thing. If you labor is longer, it gets harder. Good luck with what ever you decide!

My son was 8 pounds, 5 ounces at birth. At one point they thought he was going to be a 10 pounder. Yikes! I planned natural childbirth as well, and almost made it. I was in labor for 48 hours and made it 41 with no drugs at all. After that, I was just so tired that I couldn't take the pain or exhaustion anymore. Anyway, when he was finally ready to come out, I pushed him out in 30 minutes. I'd recommend a good midwife, who will massage you a great deal to stop, or at least cut down on, any tearing that might happen. Of course, concentrating on your breathing and have a good coach, or a dula. Women had to have babies naturally for ages and it didn't matter how big the baby was. You can do it! Have faith in yourself, be prepared, and you'll be wonderful!

OF COURSE IT'S POSSIBLE!! Don't set yourself up for failure; you can absolutely do this and have the natural birth you and the baby are entitled too. Can you hire a birth doula to encourage yoy along the way? Are you using a midwife, home or hospital birth?
Shoot, 8 lbs is not all that big, mine were 9.0 and 9.1 and I had my second baby at home, naturally as can be with no problem! It was perfect. You can do this, Ana, and keep telling yourself that.

Love,
C.
www.LostRiverNaturals.com
Handcrafted Herbal Organics

You can totally do it! Believe in your body. I'm petite, too. My first was only 6lbs, 15oz and my midwife thought my second would be about the same. Well, she was 9lbs 7oz to everyone's surprise! Even with ultrasounds, no one can really tell what size your baby will be, and the bottom-line is that your body can do it!! My second birth was completely natural and in a tub. I highly recommend it! Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth if you haven't already. Best wishes for a wonderful birth!

Dont forget...whatever the estimate of your baby's weight is, it's just that...an estimate.

Supposedly I was going to have a small baby...7 lbs estimate. She was 8lb4oz

Dont get nervous. Forget whatever horror stories you've heard. Relax your muscles(so that your uterus can relax too) and do what your body was made to do!

Hi Ana,

I agree with Julie. I was your size prepregnancy also. I had two girls 8lbs 7oz and 8lbs 5oz. Emily who was 8lbs 7oz couldn't be delivered naturally because of my hips and her head. She couldn't crown. Lydia however would have been easy to deliver given that she was built differently. However where I was living at the time, a VBAC was not allowed. (archaic, huh...) Two plans is the best way to go. Research all you can. Keep asking questions. Know your body and enjoy this time.

God bless and congratulation!

M.

P.S. My husband was 12 pounds and a two footer!!!

Hi. I think everyone is different. I was weighing 188 pounds and had about 3 gallons of water surrounding my son. I had 9 more days to go until my due date and he weighed in at 9 pounds 12 ounces. I had to have a c-section because of his size. But I also have a friend who was only about 120 pounds when she had her daughter. She had her natural and she was a 9 pound baby. So it will depend on your body.

You are probably underestimating your own abilities. We are miraculous beings and our bodies have been created to handle bearing children. Having said that of course their are times when we need medical help and obviously I would discuss options with your doctor and follow any advice that he/she offers. However, if you and the baby are healthy then you can probably handle this. I am 5'6 and 100 lbs and I delivered a 9 lb 4 oz baby and a 8 lb 12 oz baby naturally with no problems (other than some tearing). Also I would tell you that what doctors/ultrasound techs tell you the size of the baby are in utero and what they actually are often are very off. I was told that my fist child was around 7 lbs 3 days before I delivered (he was 9.4). Then with my second I was told she was over 10 lbs 2 days before I delivered (she was 8.12). I think it is very difficult to predict the size of a baby. I wish you the best of luck with the birth of your little darling!

My sister-in-law had a big baby and she is short and small. They gave her an episiotomy.

I'm 5'2" with an athletic build and have small hips. They induced me, but my daughter was too big for me and I never got past 4cm. I got the cervidil (no idea how to spell that) on Friday night and and got pitocin on Saturday morning at 6 am - by 9:30 I was at 4 cm and was still 4 cm at 1:30, so they decided to do a c section. Low and behold my daughter was a whopping 9 lbs 12 oz. They told me at 38 weeks that she was around 7 lbs 12 oz - apparently they were low by about a pound. Good luck and I know you'll do great!

Answering for my wife: First (boy) was 10 lbs, 7 oz and second, two weeks ago, (girl) was 11 lbs, 14 oz!! We knew at 8 months she was over 9 lbs. OB Doc said Sierra is the biggest baby he's ever delivered (old record was 11lbs, 7 oz). Both were C Section with spinals, had to take the gestational diabetes test three times. Just had to share since I'm the proud father.

I will talk to your doctor about your concern but I think size does not matter is how your body is develop inside you COngratulations

CONGRATS!!! I'm 5'4" (mostly legs, short-waisted), my first was 9 lbs 10 oz. I had her at home and didn't tear. Just listen to your body, BREATHE, and let go of control. Once labor starts, your express participation is not really all that necessary until your body tells you it's time to bear down to push out the baby. Yes, it will take a while, but your recovery will not be as difficult as a c-section. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

I would talk you your dr. about what is expected after you go past the EDD, the practice may have steps they HAVE to take due to their 'policy'. it's called an ESTIMATE for a reason, but everyone has different gestation times. I went 42 weeks.

Also, position makes a HUGE difference.

I don't know that how big the baby is makes much difference- don't let the doctors scare you. I had my baby boy completely naturally and he was almost 8 lbs at birth- once the head is out, the rest is cake!!! Congratulations on making the decision to go naturally, it is hard work- but totally worth it! I would agree with the suggestion to have a doula, or someone there who can help coach you through labor- I needed constant reminders to stay relaxed! :) Good luck!

I've had some very big babies. 10 pounds 5 ounces, 9 pounds 7 ounces, 10 pounds 10 ounces, and 9 pounds 5 ounces. The first 3 were delivered regular and the 4th was c-section. I am a much bigger person than you. I am 5 foot 8 and I usually weigh around 200 pounds. It sounds like your baby may be huge for you. Now, by natural birth did you mean with no meds or just a vaginal birth. I'd recommend getting induced into labor ASAP before the baby gets bigger. Take the epidural. It doesn't hurt the baby and btw, no one gives you a gold medal for being able to endure lots of suffering. (I don't get my dental work done without pain relief...why would I produce a human being with no pain relief) I did fine delivering my huge babies with the help of pain relief. Well, the first one I was in labor 20 hours and then I was tired. They said, "You have to keep pushing or we'll have to do a c-section." I was so mad, to think I did all that work for 20 hours and they wanted to send me to surgery. I had them get him out with forceps. The middle children were a breeze. Labor cut in half each time. For me, the c-section recovery was the easiest hormone-wise. But it is real surgery. Depending on how old you are and how many kids you want to have, I'd try to avoid a c-section if you plan a lot more babies. Once a c-section doesn't necessarily mean always a c-section...but it could. You have to make the decision based on what your doctor tells you. Good luck.

Ana, there are a lot of factors that go with your delivery and how easy/difficult it will go for you. What was your birth weight? Most women have babies close to their own birth weight. I was 9 lbs 3 oz at birth and have had 4 children - 2 of them just over 10 lbs and 2 at 8 lbs 14 oz. Two deliveries were natural (not by choice!) and they went just fine. I'm not petite (5'6" and usually 145), but am obviously "built" for having children. If your doc was concerned 8 lbs would be too much for you then he/she would've already scheduled an induction to keep from having a baby over what you could handle. You should be just fine and remember, all of us are rooting for your new healthy baby to arrive!!! Good luck!

Bel