Scheduled C-section V. Induction for Macrosomia

Your body knows how to get this little one out...just like it knew how to grow it. It grew a baby that you CAN push out, free of intervention. Don't let doctors scare you. There is terrible birthing trend amongst doctors today, pushing intervention and c-sections before it is actually necessary. This is why N.J has the highest c-section rate in the country. C-section were intended to be used as an emergency procedure, not a precautionary one. Induction with give you a much more painful labor and highly increase your chance of a c-section. Ultrasounds are not 100% at judging your baby's size. Your body releases wonderful hormones when it goes into labor that helps you and the baby both during and after the birth. You can start using natural remedies to induce your labor and ripen your cervix before a doctor puts chemicals in your body. Start having sex with your honey...his semen contains the same hormones as pitocin(medical inducer). Pitocin was actually made based off the properties of semen. Nipple stimulation, walking and even herbs like evening prime rose oil can help too. You should trust your body to do what it is meant to due. If you end up needing a c-section, at least you gave yourself the chance. Trust trust trust your body. All my best wishes

My advice? Don't do either. There is no reason you can't deliver this baby naturally. All of my babies were "big" and only got bigger. My last baby was a 10 pounder. Women's bodies were designed to birth babies. It is only the medical professionals that have lost faith in our ability to birth our babies, and insist on "managed labor and delivery." Too much intervention leads to problems.

C-section is major abdominal surgery. The World Health Organization says that no hospital in the world should have a C-section rate higher than 10%, yet in America, we top the scales at over 30%! This is insanity! It is a risk to Mother's and babies alike, yet the most common surgery performed on women. Anytime you have a C-section you are putting yourself at risk, your baby at risk, and any future pregnancies at risk. This is a SERIOUS decision.

Induction often leads to C-section, yes, but carries its own risks as well. Often what happens is Mom gets pitocin, contractions begin and are unnatural, so very intense. Mom gets epidural, which relaxes her to the point the pitocin has not been working as effectively, so they up the pitocin. Mom feels uncomfortable again, so more epidural is needed. While Mom doesnt feel this, the baby DOES. He is being unnaturally squeezed and often heart rates drop, baby is in distress, and WHAM! C-section...Thanks God the doc's were there to save your baby! (please note the sarcasm...the doc's CAUSED the need for a C-section, in this case)

I am very involved and passionate about the birth movement here in NY and am sickened by the lack of "Mother-friendly" choices we have. Women are being scared into intervention that is rarely necessary, yet with all this technology and medicine, we have the highest infant/maternal mortality rate in the developed world!

My advice to you? EDUCATE YOURSELF! This is your baby and your labor and you are your only advocate. If you don't know your options, you have NONE. And your options arent just "C-section or induction?" Know about informed consent (knowing all the risks, benefits, alternatives to any procedure and agree to it) and informed refusal (knowing all the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any procedure and refuse it). You have the right to refuse ANY TREATMENT! Have faith in your body and what it was designed to do. Learn how your body births and what you can do to help the baby out if he IS big, instead of being cut open, or forcing a baby out that isnt ready. Try squatting instead of lying flat on your back. When you lay flat on your back while pushing, you are compressing your pelvis which makes it more narrow and you are pushing against gravity. Squatting opens your pelvis and has gravity working with you, so your "big" baby could be born easier. Frankly, "big baby", to me, isnt justification enough to intervene, but thats my feeling.

Contact a local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) leader and talk to them about how you feel about C-section. They are there for support and know everything there is to know about C-sections.
http://ican-online.net/

Please, please research more about these interventions. They are unsafe and unnecessary (in most cases). Know all the risks, benefits and alternatives before making ANY decision. Don't let your doctor bully you into doing something you arent comfortable with. They love to use the "baby is in danger" scare tactic. Big babies have been born vaginally successfully since the beginning of time. You decide how you feel about it and what you feel is best for you and your baby, but do some MEGA reading in the meantime. You also might want to consider getting a second opinion, perhaps from a midwife, who is trained to deal with natural birth, trust women's bodies to do it, and don't view big babies (or prenancy in general) as a medical emergency. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

Send me a private message if you want to chat further. I have some great resources if you want/need them!

AH:

Congrats! How exciting to be expecting your first baby. Such a wonderful time. To address your question, the best thing I can tell you is to go to the ICAN website: www.ICAN.com

THey are a great source of info on c/sections. Just keep something in mind, our bodies are made to deliver our babies. The only way we know the baby will not fit is by a trial of labor. The other thing is that we have gotten so cavalier about doing c/s. The fact is this is an invasive surgery and the recovery is a lot harder than a vaginal delivery.

Do your research and if you decide to continue on the path to a vaginal birth, hire a doula because she will help you to achieve that goal.

Good Luck!

R.
(Birth Doula and mother of 3)

We had the same issue with our son. He was measuring close to 9 pounds at 39 weeks. I went ahead with a scheduled c-section, my doctor would not induce due to the fact it usually leads to a c-section. I was happy with my decision, but honestly, when my barely 8 pound baby arrived, I wondered if I could have gone through the labor. I would look at your family history and really discuss all options with your doctor. I know how lucky I am to have a beautiful and healthy baby, but really had issues with the c-section afterwards and am going to try to have the next one naturally. I know how silly it is to feel guilty, but I did. Follow your heart and everything will work out fine! :)

My first daughter was delivered completely naturally with no pain meds. The hospital allowed me to walk around to encourage the baby to drop. Labor was intense, but "do-able". Within 1-2 hours of delivery, I was up and about greeting guests. I had switched Dr's by the time my second daughter was born. This time, when I arrived at the hospital, they put my right in bed and gave me pitocin. I never understood why, as I was already in labor. (Perhaps my Dr. had a golf outing to get to?) Anyway, the contractions were so unbearable, I ended up requesting an epidural. I know every birth is different, but if I ever do it again, I will adamently refuse the pitocin! This may sound pessimistic, but with the financial state our healthcare system is in these days, I'm sure doctors are encouraged to utilize as many "billable" interventions as they can, whether they are truly necessary or not. I agree with most of the other posts. I would see what your body can handle naturally first, but do your research and have a plan B just in case! Good Luck!

My daughter was breach so I had no choice for a c-section. She was due July 15 and I was scheduled for a regualar c-section on the 9th or 10th. I went into labor on June 23, no one was worried about her weigh because at my last appointment she was 7 pounds and change that was 2 days before hand. Anyway, they had to do an emergency c-section, and she was born very soon after I was in the operating room. She weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces. The greatest thing was that I didn't have to do anything, and her being my fourth that was a very nice thing. The pain was there, but I hardly noticed it. They had me on morphine for the pain where I push a button and do it myself and they kept coming in to see how I was doing and noticed I was hardly using the medicine and told me to start. I had an okay time with it and I think that no matter what happens, you will be just fine.

Hi there :)

Well, if it's up to me, I'm not doing either. As you mentioned, ultrasounds are notoriously inaccurate. So are estimated due dates. So, unless you or your baby are in distress or not tolerating the pregnancy well (and by this, I don't mean you're tired of waddling around ;-)), a preliminary diagnosis of macrosomia isn't really a good enough reason to induce or to schedule an elective cesarean.

If your baby is too large to fit through your pelvis, you will figure that out, but I know plenty of women who have birthed large babies when they were told they couldn't. I personally know one woman who gave birth to a 10lb baby in her car in the parking lot of the hospital - she only needed two stitches. Some things you can do ahead of time to prepare your body for birth include doing squatting excercises and walking a lot. Also, if you choose to go into labor, be sure to avoid laying on your back and change positions often so your body can have every opportunity to work your little wonder out.

Since dystocia is of concern, you might also ask your OB to familiarize himself with the Gaskin Technique, a simple, noninterventive maneuver that involves the OB hooking his finger under the arm of the baby and turning him so he doesn't get stuck and to prevent a collarbone injury.

Inductions have risks, including uterine hyperstimulation, which often leads to heart decels in the baby due to a lack of oxygen, and can also lead to a mother developing a lethal amniotic embolism. Rarely, it can also lead to a uterine rupture. Like I said before, unless you or your baby are no longer tolerating your pregnancy well, induction is an extreme measure. Also, as you said, it can lead to a cesarean.

An elective cesarean has it's own risks. Simply healing from a cesarean is generally more difficult than a vaginal birth. Plus, there are added risks and complications that are both long-term and short-term for you and your baby. A cesarean is major abdominal surgery and should only be performed as a last resort. Elective cesareans do have some benefit, such as the ability to prepare, but the risks are all the same, and since your doctor has already offered it as an option, you already have the benefit of knowing it is a distinct possibility. There's some really good information about this at www.ican-online.net. There are also several chapters of the International Cesarean Awareness Network in NJ - if you send me a private message, I can connect you to the one that is closest to you.

So, as I said, if it were up to me, I'd say "Thanks, but I'll wait and see what happens." Your doctor may try to pressure you because it's probably unfamiliar territory, but it is your choice and your right to decide what to do, even if it is against his recommendations. This is your decision, so it would be worth your while to examine all the possibilities - and, until the wheels are set in motion, you can change your mind about any of this at any time.

Your doctor knows full well that you most likely won't go into labor at or before 39 weeks with this being your first baby. He is covering his own behind from a lawsuit by suggesting the induction or c-section. I agree with the others, don't do anything. Wait for your body to decide what is best. Most likely the worst thing that can happen is that your pelvis really is too small to deliver, and you'll have an emergency c-section. It's not all that bad. I have 4 children, 3 of which were delivered by c-section, and the first c-section was an emergency. I was in premature labor with twins, one living, one not, and started bleeding. This was my second pregnancy, and I had an awesome, quick recovery. As in completely up and about, and doing things I wasn't supposed to do within 2 weeks. The other 2 c-sections that followed were mandatory because my uterus had been cut vertically with the first one. They were also very easy recoveries, and little pain. Nothing more then Tylenol needed.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is just don't let the doctor decide. It's completely up to you. If you still don't feel comfortable about it then request a second opinion with a doctor outside of his practice. Doctors are more worried about covering their butts then taking care of their patients. He should relax, that's why he pays for his malpractice insurance. If I were you I would give natural (I mean when you body tells you, not necessarily without pain relievers) labor a try before anything else.

I would first want to gather some more info....ie what was your birth wt? What about your siblings (if you have any) and their respective birth wts. How big is the baby measuring...length vs wt.? Do large babies run in your family? And what about your frame size.....how does that factor in?

My personal bottom line on this is that we, as women, are designed to have babies. And the babies are designed to stay inside us until they are ready to come out. And once they are ready to come out, you go into labor.

I used the Hypnobirthing method and really liked it. If nothing else, it shows the new Mom how to have more say in the whole process and not get 'talked into' a scheduled C-section or an induction......unless it is what YOU truely want.

Just remember........we are built to have babies. I would let nature take its course and deliver when you and your baby decide that it is the right time....

Hope that helps!

I would agree with everyone else--trust YOUR Self, YOUR instinct. Baby knows when he's ready! My only child, a boy, took his time. I went 17 days past my due date and he weighed 10-1/2 pounds. My water broke 52 hours before I went into labor. After my water broke my midwife gave me some herbs to take and I had several accupuncture treatments to stimulate labor and avoid induction, and that worked for me.

Best wishes for a safe delivery with a happy mommy and healthy babe!

i was 2 weeks late and scheduled to be induced because i didn't seem to be going anywhere on my own. i started my contractions w/in a couple hrs of them putting that thing in to induce (i for the life of me can't remember what it's called) and i was in labor for about 21 or so hrs. about 18 hrs in, they said that it didn't look like i was going anywhere, that i had only dialated 1/2 cm in the last 3 hrs, and was still fluctuating 2-2 1/2 cm so if in 1 more hr they were going to decide on c-section or not. about 5 min later my water broke, they gave me another 2 hrs to see if i would dilate anymore on my own since my water broke, and NOTHING. so they had to give me the emergency c-section.

now, 2 of my friends (1 of them on BOTH her pregnancies) had to be induced, and neither of them had any problems. they both got the epidural, and all 3 pregnancies were vaginal. so out of 4 pregnancies, only my 1 was a problem with being induced...the other 3 were no problems what so ever and they got to have the vaginal deliveries they wanted.

i would say that if you're not afraid of giving birth to a larger baby (which, like you said, usually they're smaller then what the ultrasound says...i was told i was gonna have a 10-12 pounder, and my daughter came out 2 weeks late at 8lb 5oz!) hold on for as long as you can. unless you have someone who can be with you and do just about everything (and don't have many stairs to go up and down throughout the day) i would try to avoid the c-section.

more then 1/2 the women in my family have had them, and again, i was the 1 with the problem. but i have a LARGE flight of stairs i have to go up and down for anything (bathroom, kitchen, anything...i'm in the basement)...and i didn't get much help carrying anything. i had to carry the baby, the diaper bag, and the groceries with rarely any attempt a help, and because of lifting more then my limit was supposed to be, and because i had no choice but to take those stairs plenty of times a day when i was told NO stairs...i just didn't heal right. and remember, all the other ppl i know who've had them, didn't have a problem, but they had help. that's why i say if you don't have that help, try to hold out as long as you can.

and please, don't let any of what i've said scare you, remember, there's ALWAYS at lease 1 person that things don't go right for, and i just wanted to let you know what i know. the worst case scenario is that you induce, and have to have a c-section, and don't have any help and have to do everything on your own and it takes you an extra 2 months to heal. it's not really the worst thing in the world, it's just a little extra annoying pain, that's it. well, i wish you the best of luck, and congratulate you and your family on the new bundle of joy. best wishes.

I would personally wait... this is your first. I went into labor and then had an "emergency" c-section. Well this go around I had a c-section scheduled and went early... so really there is no way they can figure out when the baby is ready and no real way to determine the size of the baby. They told me I was "big" and then I delivered a peanut!

I was told that my son was going to be a very large baby and he was only 6lb 15oz. My last child who is a year old was estimated at about 8 lbs and I had gestational diabetes with that preganacy so I thought she was gonna be a large baby too. I was induced and she was 6lb 9oz. I have had 3 children and 1 was induced and my labor with induction was no worse than the others. I also has 2 without pain meds and one with a spinal. Go for the pain meds if possible you are not less of a mom if you take them. I think you get to enjoy the experience of the birth of your baby when you are comfortable. I know I definately did. I wanted pain meds with my second but she was preemie and born very quickly so no time for meds. That was my experience. I am 5' 6" medium build. I think size of the mother may play a factor in many docs decisions. Hope it helps!

I don't think you can diagnose macrosomia at 32 wks. It seems like a lot of dr's are telling their patients that they have big a big baby way to early in the game. Then you spend the rest of your pregnancy worried that their is something wrong with your baby or inadequate about your body. It doesn't sound like either is true for you. Wait till you are term to worry about this. In the meantime, when you are 36 weeks you can start taking Evening Primrose Oil orally, one capsule in am and pm, and one capsule vaginally before bedtime (messy- sleep on towel). This is a cervical ripener and is one way of avoiding an induction. It doesn't work all the time, but it cant hurt. (Worked for me). Good luck.

Hi! With my first son 12 years ago, I was induced. I never dilated past 2cm so they needed to do a c-section. As disappointed as I was, it turned out to be the best for my baby and that is really what counts. My son was 10 lbs. I can't imagine trying to deliver that size. I know people do it and more power to them. I just had a another boy a year ago. I am 41 so I scheduled the c-section. He was a big boy too. As much as I missed out on the natural child birth process, I'm happy that I have two healthy boys. It was also painless. Good luck in whatever decision you make.

Hi
I had an unplanned C Section after 27 hrs of unproductive labor..and an induction....and let me tell you, it really was not that bad at all. just felt like i did about 10,000 situps. The most important thing is that you have a healthy baby at the end and that you are healthy as well. So, if you want to try to avoid the section, you can try the induction, which can lead you to a natural birth.

good luck!

I was 4 days overdue, and my husband had to return to his military deployment that he was on leave from. My Doc induced because we felt that the baby was healthy and could come out,so my husband could see her before he had to return.
I had:
2 hrs pitocin, 4hrs of active regular contractions, I got and epidural when I considered myself 8.5 out of 10 on my pain scale. I got settled, had an ice pop, nurse checked me, and said I was completely dialated. Doc came in, 1.5 hrs of pushing, when the told me to, I felt pressure coming on as I got contractions but that was it. I did have a small episiotomy, but all turned out fine.
I think since I was so close, I handled it all OK, I just had to get through the pushing. They say when you think you can't handle anything more intense, you're probably nearly done.
I didn't know that at the time, and with the emotional factors of my situation with my husband, I opted for the hopefully controlled induction.
The point I wanted to post/make was that when you ask a question like this you'll get 10 negative responses to 1 positive experience, because it is an inate reaction for those who have a negative experience to want to share it. That goes for bad hair salons, or car repair work, or having babies. Please know there are just as many people out there that have good experiences, they just aren't as readily shared. You just have to listen to your body, and do what you feel is right for you. During labor, don't resist/hold back during the contractions. Let it happen. Mentally allow yourself to be very open and allow you body to release.
It's a good idea to check your Doctor's vacation schedule. I've never thought of that.

If I were you I would just wait until it happened naturally. I would also check your doctor's vacation plans. I have heard of Doctor's trying to get patients to do things because of their plans to be out of town. Sorry to be such a bummer. Best of luck to you, I pray it all works out for the best.

I'm not sure what the 90% for growth is??? What is the weight/length they base this on...8lbs, 9lbs etc.
I think (and if you look at stats) C Sections are given too much. I'm not saying if there is a real need not to do it but I know of cases where they give them just to give them.
My cousin gave birth to a 13 lb boy, naturally with no epidural (there wasn't time) and there were no problems at all. I'm not saying it wasn't painful but I wonder about how big the baby is.
My doctor wanted me to have a C-Section because my daughter was apparently big and would only keep getting bigger. At 34 weeks they said she was already over 8 lbs. We elected to do vaginal and when she was born 7.5 weeks later she was only 7lbs 11 oz. Please make sure they are measuring him accurately and you don't go through this for nothing!!
I would probably go for the C-section since I don't know enough about you to say go for either. I would make sure all my avenues are exhausted though before absolutely agreeing to go C-Section without trying a vaginal birth first.

Good luck, it's tough making such big decisions!
N.
N.

The process of labor squeezes fluids out of the baby's body and prepares the baby for life in the world. So I'd say go with the induction if possible. C-sections are rough on both mom and baby, and there's always a chance that there won't be a shoulder problem. Try to find out if your doctor is aware of the maneuver by Ina May Gaskin where the woman gets up on her hands/knees which frequently frees the shoulder. (I can get the name of the maneuver if you want.)

Truth is, most large babies can still be born vaginally unless the mother has a very narrow pelvis.

If the hospital is on the alert that you may be a c-section, they should be prepared for that and ready to give you a c-section if you should need one. Yes, emergency c-sections are a bit more difficult than scheduled ones... But there are complications with scheduled ones as well.

I was told that my son was "absolutely huge" and they were pushing me to get an induction 11 days before his due date for that reason, and becuase I had low fluids. I drank a lot of water to increase my fluids, and he was born at just under 8lbs with a normal sized head that showed absolutely NO molding despite my having been pushing for an hour. His shoulders were tiny little things that slid right out.

The thing that threw me into labor was taking a 10 mile walk the day before my due date. :p He was born the next day. If you can walk and are mobile, start walking a lot. The rhythm readies your body for labor. It's amazing what the body can do. :)

I think that the one thing you may want to look out for- is if you're 5'0 and your husband is 6'6 you may have a baby that's larger than what your body can handle. But if you don't have gestational diabetes, you and your husband are similar sizes (or within 1 foot of each other's height), and your family doesn't have a history of "stuck babies" then you're most likely at low risk. Especially if you have large/broad hips.

You can always consult a midwife in your area for a second opinion. :)

Oh- one other thing, I've seen TONS of recommendations that if you have a larger baby you should eat only small amounts of organic meats and avoid all dairy for at least the last month of pregnancy. Those things cause babies to put on a lot more weight. Continue to eat healthy but modify your diet slightly.

During labor it's very important to keep your face and as many muscles as you can as relaxed as possible. I found it very helpful to make deep throaty sounds like "mooing" while closing my eyes during contractions and rocking back and forth on my feet. During particularly strong contractions I'd grab a major muscle (thigh/butt) and shake it. It helped relax, and relaxation kills the pain. The more relaxed you are, the more you open up and the wider a passage your child has to descend.

(disclaimer: I'm a bit of a natural birth nut myself. I avoided all inductions and pain killers. I loved my experience and didn't find it to be very painful at all as long as I was moving around and making my cow-sounds. But it's not for everyone!)

what you should do is try natural means of induction.

Hi there. Just wanted to say that I have 2 children and had 2 inductions...neither resulted in a c-section and both big babies (8,14 ad 9,14). My body just doesn't seem to go into labor. The first time my water broke, but NOTHING happened and I was induced...the second time I was 2 weeks late and they induced me as well. My second was born Dec. 6th after being induced and he needed to be...BUT while we were discussing this, the doctor said that most women beg to be induced this time of year becasue they want to have their baby and be home by Christmas...just another thought.

I would agree with most of your posts to just hang out a bit more. Try walking a lot, doing squats, etc. I walked the mall so many times with my second. So many of the people working there knew me and would just smile when they saw me waddling by. ha. good times. :)

God bless you and I'll say a prayer for you today. SLEEP while you can. Take it easy. NAP NAP NAP. Oh how I dream of doing that now. HA. Everything will be fine. :)

I would never volunteer for a C-section. If you need one on an emergency basis that is a different story, but it is major surgery and there are always risks with surgery. I have had two children vaginally. The first had to be induced and the second was naturally without any drugs at all. Do not be afraid of childbirth and good luck!

Hi!

well all i can tell you is that i was induced at 38 weeks and DIDNOT have a section. my son was also large so i understand your feelings.

WARNING MIGHT BE TOO MUCH INFO!!!!!

if youd like to deliver before then...have a date night everynight and have as much sex as possible-IT WORKS!!!!! go for long walks if you can that should engage the head and hopefully start your dilation (sp?). try the old wives tales-but i warn you caster oil is NASTY!!!!!

hope this helps,
K.

I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks (I also had gestational diabetes) so I had to go in for a scheduled induction in my 37th week. I know everyone is different but I didn't think the labor pains were to bad at all. I wound up having to go for an emergency c-section after 12 hours of labour because my son was to stressed out and his heart slowed down 3 times (to 40 beats per minute) I was so scared about my son that I didn't care what they did to get him out. It all worked out, I heard him cry right away and even though they had me on an epidural and who knows what else I remember my son's first cries and my husbands proudest moment! It was a wonderful feeling! So whatever way you choose, I'm sure will be your beautiful moment! Recovery from a c-section isn't as bad as they say either and I would definately do it again.

Hi,

If I had it to do over again I would have stuck to my guns and refused to allow the doctor to make the baby come out earlier so that he wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night. I don't care what's convenient for the doctor. I actually asked to be induced 48 hours prior to when I gave birth because I wanted to make sure he wasn't on call. I told my doctor if Dr. Yoon was on call at Vassar where I was scheduled then I would go to Northern Dutchess to avoid him. She lied and said she would stay when my water did brake. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. You can always switch hospitals as I planned to if I hadn't been tricked. You can straighten out the insurance after.
My water broke but the doctor was in a hurry, Dr. Chang Yoon in Poughkeepsie, he covers for Dr. Choudry in Fishkill also. In an effort to get the baby out quickly he almost killed us both. I had a small baby but he still did severe damage with an unneeded episiotomy. I understand what it's like to want a natural birth. When I started crashing I thought they were going to cut me open right there and take the baby out. I wish I had a C-Section because of the damage done by the very bad doctor. If you have a good doctor then I would try to have the baby naturally. Discuss everything in detail with your doctor. I was given cervadil to help dialate me. I found out after that it's not good to use once your water has broken. Discuss pain medication. Vassar doesn't like to give anything but stadol with phegrine (an nausea drug), they really push epidurals. Learn the risk of an epidural. I didn't want one but they did it anyway and I'm still paying the price. Because you're high risk discuss and put everything in writing. I have PTSD in addition to permanent serious medical conditions as a result of the birth of my daughter. Please write down everything you've discussed with your doctor in detail and make copies for everyone there. Check your doctor online.

I wish you the best of luck and will prey for the health of you and your baby.

Kim

Well I have had both an emergency C-section (with my first daughter, she was in distress after 18 hours of labor and 1.5 of pushing) and I also had a planned one with my daughter who is now 20 months, I have a high tolerance for pain, so I bounced back pretty quickly, the first one was very scary, I was so unsure what was going on, I never got to see her, and I wasn't even totally coherent based on the "drugs" that I was given. Now as far as my second went I was pretty much naked on an operating table, and everyone around me wasn't treating it as the Blessed event that I thought it should have been treated as, way too routine and PLANNED. Looking back neither was actually very good, but my point is, I knew that my daughter was in NO HARM with the second (planned) and so completely panicked with the first (emergency). Go with the C-section, just think OWW, watermelon out of a baseball God Bless Him & You! I love a big baby my 1st was 8lbs 15oz.

I've had 3 c-sections. The first was because he just did not want to come out - we waited til day 10 after due date and after other tries. And he was big for a petit mom - very glad I did not have to push him out. The next 2 were planned c-sections because the first time was such a success. After the last one I was up and about in 2 days. Granted my body knew what to do and how I would feel. Not knowing natural childbirth I can't compare - I can only say c-sections were great for me!! Good luck and enjoy your wonderful child!

(WOW!~What a lot of responses - we are all so proud of our labors - :)

I advise the c-section if you don't into labor on your own. I have 3 kids and never went into labor on my own. When my first baby was 2 weeks late I was induced twice(first time didn't work)and after 12 hours of labor had an emergency c-section. I had to go under anesthesia and didn't even hear my baby's first cries. My second baby I was induced again when I was 5 days past my due date and again had a c-section. With my third I had a sceduled c-section and it was a much better experience. I went in knowing pretty much what to expect and I recovered much faster.

please do further research on the internet about this and consult Bostonia magazine for Fall 2007 and these two books, "Pushed; The pAinful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care" by Jennifer Block, as well as "Born in The USA; Fixing A Broken Maternity System." by Dr. Marsden Wagner. as well as the World Health Organization website.

There is NO medical evidence that an ultrasound, even a supposedly more specific fetal weight ultrasound, will provdie an accurate measurement for the baby. a mom i know recently gave birth to a 6 lb baby, perfectly healthy, that her doctor insisted would be over 8 lbs according to the ultrasound. So that's no reason for you to go ahead with dangerous and invasive procedures you don't need, just because the baby MIGHT be "big."

I delivered my first child, 8 lb 12 ounces, naturally, with no interventions and no pain medication and no probelms. my second child was 7 lbs 11 oz, also n ointervention of any kind. i'm not suggesting you do natural child birth, you're not proepared for it. what i am saying is that these are all normal size children from whom we have no reason to expect complications during labor especially in a healthy pregnancy.

labor isn't easy but that's why people help us. your baby is fine, you are healthy; please don't schedule an operation, during which they will anesthitize you and your infant, and which is only really appropriate for emergencies, that you don't need.

have the people aroud who love you ad are going to care for you, hire a doula using METRODOULA.COM if you would like extra support, and plan for a healthy delivery in the hospital WHEN YOUR BABY IS READY. you will go into labor normally, and it will take a long time, possibly 12 hours or 3 days, and that's normal, and it will hurt, and you can take plenty of tylenol or even more significant pain meds if you need them, but you don't need surgery, my dear. and if you have more children please try another doctor. this guy is taking advantage of you and it's really dangerous and unnecessary.

My water broke on a Tuesday at around 6pm, and I didn't have my daughter until Thursday at 2:04 in the afternoon. My whole ordeal resulted in a c-section and she still had to be vacuumed out. I have to say other than being n labor for as long as I was, back labor no less...I had a wonderul experience. I was literally up and moving around a few hours after they rolled me into my recovery room. All the nurses and my doctors kept telling me to get back into bed and relax, but with me I felt better if I was moving around. I mean obviously I had osme pain but not overbearing pain. C-sections are not like they used to be. I personally can't say anything negative about it.....Good luck, and I hope whatever your experience is, it's a positive one.