Baby still hasn't dropped at 39 wks!
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Baby still hasn't dropped at 39 wks!
| Thu, 03-27-2003 - 12:17pm |
Hi,
This new format will take some getting used to.
I am a first time mom and am 39 weeks today. At my appt yesterday my ob said the baby still has not dropped and I am 0 dilated and 50% effaced. I have been 50% effaced for the past 4 weeks. We had to see a perinatal doc because of possible macrosomia (large baby). They are worried he won't fit. What are the chances that I will need a
c-section? Does the size of woman matter? I am 5'1 and very petite. Could he drop overnight? What were your experiences with c-sections and big babies?
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Melissa
This new format will take some getting used to.
I am a first time mom and am 39 weeks today. At my appt yesterday my ob said the baby still has not dropped and I am 0 dilated and 50% effaced. I have been 50% effaced for the past 4 weeks. We had to see a perinatal doc because of possible macrosomia (large baby). They are worried he won't fit. What are the chances that I will need a
c-section? Does the size of woman matter? I am 5'1 and very petite. Could he drop overnight? What were your experiences with c-sections and big babies?
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Melissa
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As for worries about a large baby, it's generally considered a bad idea (and statistically unsupportable) to induce early in hopes that a small baby will be easier to birth. First time mothers are especially at risk for complications from an induction. It's easier to birth when you go into labor on your own. Not only are you less likely to have positioning problems, the contractions are milder, and much easier to endure for a longer time.
If there is no need to get the baby out immediately, let him/her stay in at as long as possible (though the OB will get antsy by 42 weeks).
My son was 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and I crowned his head, but had to have a c-section because of his position. He eventually got stuck because he was facing the wrong way. Because his heart rate was dropping, they did the c-section.
There are many reasons that you may not have dropped - one could be your size. If you do have a c-section, its not the end of the world. Make sure you have plenty of help for the first few weeks you are at home. Try not to worry. Best wishes to you - it could be anyday.
My first dropped "all at once"--it doesn't take long once they decide to do it. Try to relax--being anxious or stressed can delay labor. (Yah, I know that's terribly helpful, isn't it? ;)
Best of luck,
Amy
I was worried about my baby's size and thought that maybe the doctors would try to induce next week at 36 weeks or at 37 weeks. But they said they are more worried about the lungs then they are about his weight and that i can and will have a c-section due to his size. I wasn't sure i wanted a c-section... but after talking to a L&D nurse -- i now know i do want one. More times then none -- a big baby can be birthed and the head will come out only to have the shoulders or stomach get stuck, then the doctors have to literly push the baby back up the canal and deliver by c-section. The nurse said this is the most terrible thing she has ever seen and now advices pg women that KNOW they are having a big baby -- not to try labor to go ahead and do the c-section. It will save you on alot of laboring for nothing and wont stress the baby as much.
I can see how after having a bad experience, you wouldn't want to take the risk of going through it again, but advising people in general not to labor seems a little extreme to me. Risks of cord prolapse or hemmorage during labor are higher than the risk of shoulder dystocia--and no one advises people not to labor because of those!
Amy
I'm not sure of you chances for c/s- even with your small size. many small petite women have delivered large babies- a lot depends on the positioning of the baby and the mom during labor and delivery. Squatting during delivery can open your pelvis some 20% more than lying flat- that's a *huge* difference. Also, if you're certain your baby isn't posterior right now, I've heard that squatting can help move the baby down at this point (it worked for me). U/S size estimates can be off by up to a lb either way at this point as well- they aren't very accurate, and as mentioned, induction for macrosomia isn't statisically supported- and induction in general can lead to more problems and interventions, including a c/s.
I haven't had any experience with c/s and big babies-- I had my c/s for a 6lb 9oz baby and my vbac with a 9lb 9oz baby (who had a ~15 in head that didn't mold and a compound presentation at birth).
Good luck as your pregnancy comes to a close! I'd strongly suggest finding all you can about your particular situation (for example, try looking up things in google to find sites with information to share--also check out some of the other birth boards on Ivillage) before "allowing" the doc to make any "final" decisions regarding c/s or induction. As Kelly said, a c/s isn't the end of the world, but it *does* come wrought with many risks and complications of its own- affecting not only this birth and baby, but future pregnancies and birth choices as well. I think it's better to go into it informed and sure that your choices are the best for your situation than to question yourself later and wish you'd known more. ((HUGS)) and good luck!
kris