Well, I had my 33 week appointment today. Heartbeat good, gained 1lb since last visit, yadda yadda. I'm measuring a smidge over 36 weeks, and have been measuring this far ahead for a while now, so my Dr. said she'd like to take a peek at baby in a few weeks and get some measurements.

I'll give you the backstory, then I'd like to see what you guys would do if you were me.

We discussed the possibility of a c/s. I'm already scheduled to be induced at 38 weeks, since it was an epic battle to deliver DS #1. I was induced at 38wks with #1 due to bad pre-e. I was in labor for 30 hours. He wasn't wanting to descend, and after two hours of pushing (I was thisclose to a c/s), I had vacuum assistance and delivered him sunny side up. He weighed 7lbs, 11oz..

Now- my Dr. is saying in her opinion, I will not be able to deliver a baby any bigger than DS #1 was. That my chances of having another baby present posterior are fairly high, because it's usually the shape of the mothers pelvis that causes the babies to engage that way, and she is concerned about shoulder dystocia (not sure I spelled that right.) She has suggested a c/s even before this appointment, just to avoid a repeat of my last l/d, but today she said if baby is measuring large on the u/s, she would suggest a c/s.

I, on the other hand, do not really think that measuring fundal height is an accurate means of guessing baby size, and also I know that even ultrasound measurements can be off by a pound or so. I am not a doctor, though!! I would like to avoid a c-section if at all possible.

I'm having the ultrasound April 15th, and I'll be 37 weeks. Would you go ahead and attempt a vaginal delivery against the advice of your doctor with the possibility that you still may end up with a c/s? Or would you go ahead and schedule a c/s, even though you don't want one, based on an ultrasound size estimate? Or just not worry about it until after the ultrasound results? LOL...yes, I'm stressing!

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Cohen 4/28/08

Ashley 27
Adam 28

mmm it is hard to say... cause i am lurking on a c section as well.... due to placenta pervia.... And really... i hope i dont have too... for many reasons. But if my cervix is totally covered I wont have ANY option.... cant deliver placenta first. A C Section is what it would be.... I do have to say though... that shoulder dystorca ... it is scary... i think if the doc mentioned that to me... id be for the c section. I mean you want the baby delivered safely. But if she feels you could try to push with success..... and then if you need one... id go for that first. I would much rather deliver vaginally.... But like i said.. you got to put the baby health in front of your own desires.....

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This is my first baby so I do not know how much my opinion counts but I truly think you need to do what is best for you and the baby medically speaking. I do not like to have surgery of any kind if not necessary but I personally would follow your doctor’s advice. BUT for me I am terrified of having a vacuum or forceps delivery and I would much rather have a c-section.

I truly think you need to follow your heart and if you really want to try for a vaginal delivery and it’s in the safe range then for sure go for it. The measurements could be off but they can be off the other directions too....as nothing is perfect so I would maybe wait till after you have all the info and then sit and talk with your doc and DH and make the best decision based on having all the info.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

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Amanda, James & Sweet Mackenzie

7/17 -3rd Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis
8/07 femara & ovidrel First Cy..... 8/24/07
(After trying for 6 years on and off)

I would try not to stress until after the ultrasound. I personally would want to avoid a c-section at all costs. To me, it's a major abdomonal surgery that shouldn't be taken lightly. If my baby was measuring a bit big, I would still attempt a vaginal delivery. I would just research and see if I could find anything that could help delivery. I hope that whatever you decide you feel confident about your decision!

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I agree it's up to you and your feelings. But I can tell you really want a vag. del. If it were me then I'd do the US, but know they can be off by a pound, and that could make it or break it for you. What about seeing if she'll do the US at 37 wks, then doing an amnio to check the lungs if baby is measuring big, and if the lungs are good inducing at 37wks insted of 38. Most of the time 37 weekers lungs are good. And if they are not quite there then wait a week and decide from there. JMO

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Lots of good advice and opinions already. Honestly, if it were me I'd wait until the u/s and see what things looked like. But I would lean towards at least trying the vaginal birth if it was just the size of the baby that was making your Dr. recommend a c/s. You are correct that their estimates can be off by a pound (or more) in either direction. I have heard so many estimates of baby's weight by Dr's and then when the baby is born it is actually a lot smaller (including my niece). But again, trust your gut and try to do what you feel is right for you and baby. Please let us know how the u/s goes. I hope everything looks great!!! ((((hugs))))

I am sorry it is a tough decision! I would try not to worry too much until the ultrasound. It is just an estimate for the weight but atleast you will have a little better idea then you have now. Also she should be able to see exactly what position the baby is in, which will also help your decision. I hope you get some answers at your ultrasound. I would not want to have a c-section as well, but I would not want to go through what you had to go through with your first labor again. Also, if something did happen to your baby with the shoulder dystocia or something else if you attempted the vaginal birth you might feel guilty you didnt choose a C-section, (even though things happen during birth and no on would blame you). If you have to have a C-section who knows, it might be an easier recovery than your first delivery with a vaccuum, I am sure you were pretty sore for a while! Good luck it's a hard decision, both have their pros and cons.

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I am someone who was in labor for 36 hours and ended up with a c/s. I never had to push but my recovery was terrible because I was in labor so long. I have a ton of friends who had c-sections for other reasons and their recovery was not bad at all. I am hoping to have a VBAC this time but if it means I have to be in labor and end up with a c/s, no way! I think it'd be too hard to take care of a little one (Kate is 1) and I'd rather just have the c/s from the get go.

Christin's advice sounds like what I would do.

Most docs will induce early if the lungs look good. FWIW, my SIL had a vaginal delivery with her 1st - even though he was big - and she needed too many stitched for me to share with you (for fear I would scare you). Does your practice have another doc to get a second opinion from?

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--Kristina