What can help prevent my next baby from being bigger than nessesary so I can have a VBAC?

Sarah - posted on 05/08/2011

sorry to burst in this forum but i want to tell you about my campaign for mothers worldwide: www.supportpelvicdysfunction.co.uk is a charity that offers one on one help for mums with SPD or PGP. They have just put an official community up on circle of moms. help@supportpelvicdysfunction.co.uk

Hope this helps x

I have spd and im in a wheelchair for life with it, im the founder of this charity so please feel free to trust in my help. All info is on my homepage or the official COMS page.

I send you all my love as SPD is common but not normal in pregnancy and it is a hard condition to deal with as if affects our mobility. keep your chins up and im here if you need any help from the charity.

Elizabeth - posted on 04/08/2010

Just thought I would let you know that I also used herbs to help labor along the 2nd time. The were from Trilighthealth.com called Labor Prep, you start taking them around 35 weeks. They seemed to help me have more contractions prior to birth and she was born on her actual due date where I was 2 weeks late the first time, and labor was 4 hours instead of 12 but it was my 2nd child. Also interesting fact, my 2nd baby was born completely in her bag of waters, it did not rupture until she was fully born and stretched! Very cool, so not only did I push out a 9lb 8oz baby but also an intact and full bag of waters!!! The body that God designed it soooo amazing!!!

Nichole - posted on 04/07/2010

Their is no way you can make your baby smaller than you first ...but that doesnt matter if you have a c-section the first time dont nesscerliy mean you have to have another one !!!! it just depends on the way you dialet and how you body progress to the labor good luck !!!!!

Rebecca - posted on 04/07/2010

I really love your post Pamela. Thank you. Do you know the name of the herbs? I know about raspberry leaf tea that helps strengthens the uterus muscles. I do agree that having a premature baby is dangerous which is also one of my reasons for not wanting an elective c-section. I'll be going to full term or overdue, whenever the baby will be ready. That's what I did last time.

Ashley - posted on 04/07/2010

I wouldn't worry so much about what size your baby is going to be. I would concentrate on finding a provider that is willing to help you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Is is extremely rare that a woman would grow a baby that is too large for her to deliver, no matter what an OB tells you. I would try to find a midwife that delivers at a hospital. Also, a doula is great and will be able to give you all kinds of advice on having a natural delivery, even with a big baby. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a great book that may give you some inspiration. Oh, and I read an article on Yahoo today, that contrary to what was once thought, it is okay to do exercise while pregnant, and it supposedly does help babies be somewhat smaller, but still a healthy weight.

Pamela - posted on 04/07/2010

If you have reported what the doctor said accurately, then perhaps you have a small pelvic opening. However, there are herbs to take towards the end of pregnancy that will aid the baby in"slipping" out.In addition, there are exercises that you can do to strengthen the pelvic muscles and help them to expand more easily. Please go to your favorite search engine and look up Keagles (sp?) It's a womb, bladder, female organ exercise which can be done anywhere at any time as it is a simple muscle tightening and relaxing exercise done while sitting or standing.

As we do not control the weight of our children except by food intake,. (not smoking, etc) then it would be impossible to control your baby's birth weight. Having a child prematurely by choice is dangerous for the Mother and child so, in my book, is NOT a consideration.

There are also hip stretching yoga exercises which you can do. I encourage you to search for and find alternatives to your doctor's suggestion! Good Luck. And remember that LUCK is
L aboring
U nder
C orrect
K nowledge!

Stephanie - posted on 04/07/2010

dear moms, it's really important when responding to not judge a mother for her question. we are all doing the best we can here on earth and it's very challenging being a mother, which i know we can all attest. let's try to be compassionate and offer to help, not hinder a mother in need.

Rochelle - posted on 04/07/2010

You have every right to want to have a VBAC! Just remember that NO TWO BIRTHS are the same. Just because you had a big baby the first time doesn't mean that you will automatically have a big baby the second time. Besides, women birth 10lb babies naturally all the time. It is totally up to you if you want to try for a VBAC, don't let any Dr. tell you that you have to have another c-section. You should look into the yahoo group called ICAN (International Cesarian Awareness Network). They are a wealth of information and support. Good luck!
P.S. My second was a VBAC : )

Colleen - posted on 04/07/2010

Really?? You're baby is your baby - why would you want to stunt his growth? If your baby was big because of gestational diabetes then eat lots of healthy foods and stay off sugar.

Janie - posted on 04/07/2010

I haven't taken the time to read all the responses, but don't let yourself be "talked into" a C-section for the sake of espediency and dr convienence! ... women have been having vaginal deliveries for centuries ... my mother-in-law, tiny woman, had my 10+ husband at home with only a mid-wife till the end ... scheduling it seems, it the new "reason" for Docs to push C-sections ... in one nearby hosp ... the anasthesologist (sp) isn't on duty overnight, so the OB's "push" for delivery prior to when those folks leave their shift!! it DOES NOT HAVE to be a c-section! stand up for your rights as a mom, while takeing the health of the new baby into consideration as well ... and get a new Doc if necessary.

Loise - posted on 04/07/2010

Hope ur well. Don't know how to get em small. Ma mom told me most women with small bodies have big babies n vise versa. Had the same problem but was told mine was distressed. hope to get another n was told will have to have a c-section.

Shelley - posted on 04/07/2010

I don't understand why you were told you would have to have a c-section unless the baby was very small. My last baby weighed 10lb 5.5oz and I gave birth to her naturally. I have 6 kids.. the first weighed 9lb 7oz and the rest averaged in the 8's. I pretty much did the same thing and ate the same with all of them. Nature just makes them the sizes they are. Even the placenta was thicker than usual..my midwife said it was one of the thickets she'd ever seen. Only thing that I can think of that made her larger was using pregnancy vitamins all the way through with her that I didn't take with the others. All you can hope for is a healthy baby Doesn't matter what size or sex as long as they come out healthy

Naomi - posted on 04/06/2010

Hi Rebecca,
I haven't read all of the posts... there seem to be a lot but thought i'd tell you my story. I had a c-section with my first. She was only 6'7" but i wasn't progressing. I was so strung out by the whole thing that i refused to go to the hospital next time. I delivered my son 7'8" at home fine. It's only after that i thought about how easily i could have died if i had ruptured my uterus. I had my next daughter 8'10" at hospital vaginal then my son 8'11" by c-section cause he was breach.

I've tried eating differently with my different pregnancies and it doesn't really seem to make a difference (excluding things like gest. diabetes etc). i have noticed that the bigger the pleacenta the bigger my babies have been so maybe it's just a case of genetics and luck mostly.

You seem to be on the right track anyway, just wanting to eat healthy.

One thing i've found is know everything, research everything, know what will happen in every situation, have plan a-z and be happy and confident in all of them and you will come out on top. Also find a really good Obt. dont be scared to say what you want and negotiate... but please dont put yourself in the danger that i did. Rupture is a very real complication and it's best for you and baby to be safe.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

P.S.i have had several friends who have had HUGE babys and then had 'normal' mid range size babies affter so your in with a chance.

Rebecca - posted on 04/06/2010

Thanks Tiffany, I agree with you I don't think c-sections should be put out there with out some sort of serious medical reason. I went through the hospital's birth centre last time but I was transferred. I've decided to stay home this time to avoid interventions. I found even the birth centre (probably because it was in the hospital) had too many interventions for me, but I'll book into the hospital just in case.

April - posted on 04/06/2010

Just wanted to pass along a more positive note, that I am also in the same boat and realize greatly that I will have a large baby due to genetics. I will do all possible to eat right and if it is meant to be,- I will try a vbac but if I find out the baby is big beforehand I will schedule a c-section begrudgingly. I completely understand how you feel and please know that a lot of women with first-baby c-sections wonder the same thing. How can I have a small baby ? I guess my advice is just play it by ear and do the right thing when the time comes. Just think, 100yrs ago, c-section wasn't an option and many didn't survive...We are at least this lucky.

Stephanie - posted on 04/06/2010

i've heard that avoiding sugar helps greatly to have a smaller baby. they fatten up depending on the foods we eat, particularly in the final trimester. i hope you have your VBAC. You can do it!

Tiffany - posted on 04/06/2010

Not sure if anyone said this--but try using a BirthCenter next time. They are awesome at delivering children especially V-Bac. A lot of doctors force C-sections on mothers because it is quick and cost a lot of money. I have nothing against C-sections because I do believe they save lives however, I dont believe they are necesary all the time.

Kim - posted on 04/06/2010

My first baby 10 years ago was a csection as he got stuck, he was only 6 pound 1, my daughter was born 13mths ago 5pound 11 and she came out a breeze, what I did was I went and had my hips aligned as I was told if your hips are out it is difficult to give birth, mention it to your midwife. Its worth trying it costs less than $50 and can be done up to the week you are due as there is no risk to the baby. Each birth is totally different, no doctor can predict whats going to happen. I was told my first baby was going to be 10pound! and I was so afraid the next baby was going to be a csection but it truely was a piece of cake, so much so we changed our mind about having another baby. At the end of the day, you just want a happy health baby.

Dora - posted on 04/06/2010

You and your doctor need to spend some serious talk time! You and the baby need the best of nutrition from the fewest calories. But you may also need to give up one thing in favor of another one - a few days away from your first baby for a healthy mom and second baby. That time away is difficult, but so short in the broader picture.

Paulette - posted on 04/06/2010

Sweetheart my first birth was exactly the same, and when they did the emergency C-section it was under a general anesthetic, so I woke up and was handed a baby and told 'here is your daughter' it was so horrible to not have experience the 'birth' after soooo many hours of labour, my second baby, they told me I had to have another c-section because I couldn't progress, and my first was distressed. the first time around. I was NOT HAPPY....but I was booked in with a definate time and date, I knew I would be in and out of hospital in only days, and back home with my baby girl, because it was all pre-determined......it was done at 38 weeks and i was a basket case.........BUT I was given a spinal, the staff where so calming and re-assuring, and this time, finally I was awake and saw my son enter the world, bit weird, but at least I knew he was mine. No one that can give you advise without going through it, and I am so happy to tell you we bonded right away, and I don't regret it, he was BIGGER than my daughter, remember that 20 years ago we both would have died!!! and I have now got 5 children, all delivered by c-section, and I couldn't be happier, don't try to change mother nature, embrace modern medicine and bring a healthy, much adored baby into this world, any way possible!!! talk to the experts, tell them your fears, but a natural delivery is sometimes not possible, don't beat yourself up, be grateful you can be a mummy at all.......others never get to experience this amazing joy and love. And if you feel overly emotional speak to an expert, I wish I had at the time.

Steffanie - posted on 04/05/2010

I don't think there is much you can do about the size of your baby. If you did destructive things such as smoke, not eat properly, or anything else that would force your baby to be smaller,, Than your putting yourself and the child in danger. Each pregnancy is different. Most of the time if you had your child within five years, the doctor usually urge you to have a c-section, for your safety, because your uterus can start bleeding. I hated the C-section I had. I felt the doctor opening me up. If I ever had to go through that again, I would refuse unless they put me completely out. Not to mention you are stuck in bed for at least 24 hours before you can get up.

Rebecca - posted on 04/05/2010

Thanks Silvia, that's really encouraging. I believe I have a small plan already although I'll still keep researching. Heather Ryan said in her post (Thank you Heather) which was helpful and gave me something to think about. She said It could be something in the meat. So, my plan now is to have Organic food at least during the first trimester to prevent any chemicals effecting the babies development. Organic Meats throughout my pregnancy and I'm going to try a Low GI diet with low fat, no processed sugar and no dairy except Yogurt through out. As for exercise I found one article that said pregnant women who exercised at least 3 times a week had less chance of having a large baby. But it was exercise like Yoga and Low impact aerobics that helped and it didn't make a difference to women who swam or walked.

So I'll look into Pregnancy Yoga once a week, low impact aerobics Lessons once a week and swimming once a week with Yoga and aerobics practise at home in between.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Silvia - posted on 04/05/2010

WoW I am sorry some of the comments you have gotten have not been very nice or understanding. I think part of the babies size is genetics and that cannot be helped but part is diet. I dont think you intend to starve yourself to have a smaller baby. I am also tyring to for a vbac and the only thing my midwife suggested is to cut out sugars and nothing crazy just staying away from processed sugars. And other than that I wouldnt worry about size if you are excercising and eating right you will be successful. Don't worry about what everyone else has to say this is your baby and your choice and they obviously dont understand what it means to VBAC!! Good luck

Rose - posted on 04/05/2010

I am sorry i didn't know that. but it makes sense good luck to you tho.

Sarah - posted on 04/05/2010

While you can't do anything to control the birth weight of your baby you can do things to make the birth process easier and avoid complications. Do your own research and don't be bullied by doctors who often want to carry out sections for their own convenience. The risk of uterine rupture is very small compared to the potential risks involved with repeated sections.



Get a midwife/ doula who is experienced with and supportive of vbacs. During labour move around as much as possible, eat plenty to keep your energy up and try and avoid interventions such as an epidural.



Finally, take heart my second child was 2lb smaller than my first.

Louise - posted on 04/05/2010

I had a 9lb 8 oz baby naturally who subsequently had bleeding in his brain due to him being too large and me being too small. I was 41 weeks when induced and it was sheer luck that he came out naturally.
Second time round I went to a private doctor. One I knew was good and sat and had a chat. I asked that question and he told me that there was nothing I could do to control the size of baby but that every appointment I had a scan and he estimated size if baby etc. Had a few false alarms where I thought I was going into labour and panicked. At 38 weeks he gave me my options. He said that you can have this baby naturally tomorrow when it'll be just under 9 lbs or you can wait till 40 weeks where we'll have to do a section. I was extremely closely monitored and he stayed in the hospital where if I needed a section he was on hand. Luckily it was a fairly smooth second time and baby was a health 8lbs 11oz.

My point is that after baby 1 I knew that I had to switch docs as the are I had gotten I wasn't happy with. They scanned me at 31 weeks ad tol me the baby was going to e around 8 lbs at full term so they had no clue that babies head was so big. Second doctor put me totally at ease while still being in control and was totally ok with my understandable paranoia!

Laura Jill - posted on 04/05/2010

Hi there - unfortunately there's no way that we (Mum's) can control the size of our babies. That said, given what you went through with your son's birth, you need to talk to your doctor about a couple of things. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) is possible, but it has it's own set of risks. You will have some internal scarring where your incision has healed. This is normal. When a woman is in labour however, the risk is that the scar tissues could rupture (tear) and then you bleed out. This is not good ! I'm not trying to discourage you from trying for a vaginal delivery - just make sure that you have talked the matter over thoroughly with your doctor, and that you both know the risks. Also, don't ever feel that a delivery via c-section is any less of a miracle than a vaginal delivery. Remember - the goal in all of this is a healthy baby and a healthy Mum - by any means necessary - vaginal, c-section or stork ! =) LOL

If you choose to try for a vaginal birth, and you're still concerned about the size of your baby, talk to your doctor about scheduling an induction at 37 or 38 weeks. By that stage in the pregnancy, the baby's lungs are adequately developped as are all their other internal organs/systems. In the last few weeks of a pregnancy the baby is mostly gaining weight (approximately half a pound a week) My middle child was deliverred early due to some health complications that I was dealing with, and also because I had expressed concerns about the size of the baby (she was 8 and a half pounds at 36 weeks gestation - I was so glad that I didn't have to go full term - she would have been a ten pounder for sure - yikes !)

Lastly, I don't know what your recovery was like with after your first section, but I found (I had an emergency c-section with my third child) that it wasn't all that bad. My best advice is to stay on top of your pain meds after the surgery. You never want to let pain get out of hand. A big part of pain management is preventing things from getting to that level in the first place. Try to remember as well that sometimes the best thing you can do for your children is be separated from them for a little while to allow you to heal and recover. I see too many Mum's in my practice who rush back to their responsibilities too early. Your recovery will be faster if you just take it easy with yourself for a few weeks, and then get back in the saddle. I hope that you are able to arrange some help with all the "stuff" that needs doing around the house/caring for your son - friends and family can be wonderful resources. Hopefully your doctor has a good head on his/her shoulders and can talk with you about the different issues that you're dealing with and together you can figure out what the best course of action for both of you is. Wishing you all the best with this delivery. Keep your chin up - you can do this ! =) LJ

Elizabeth - posted on 04/05/2010

My first baby was 9 lbs exactly and I was in labor about 12 hours, she came naturally. I had gained around 40 lbs during that pregnancy normally I weigh 125 so I put on a little more then I had wanted but she was healthy. When I got pregnent again this past year I wanted to also try to have a smaller baby because I had a little tearing when my first was born. So I walked alot, about 2 miles 4 to 5 times a week. I also watched my diet by not eating too much white flour and processed sugar. Milk is one of those things that can go directly to your baby increasing fat. So I got my dairy elsewhere and also did a calcium magnesium supplement. I ate lots of citrus also which helped me to have a very strong bag of waters. When my second was born, she weighed 9lbs 8 oz and labor lasted about 4 hours...it was a very beautiful birth. Also I had home births so it helped to be able to move about at my own pace and in positions that worked best for my body and the postions of the baby. Be healthy and considerate of your child and yourself! Good luck

Brandi - posted on 04/05/2010

my 1ft was 7lbs 14ozs and my 2nd was 6lbs 4.7ozs but my 2nd was 3 wks early. im pretty sure its not healthy to try and have a smaller baby or try to have a baby early. but i do agree with the other lady about layin off the sodas and really watching what u eat might help.

Rachel - posted on 04/05/2010

Okay, I have read some of the other posts and it seems that some people are getting a little defensive over this. Here's what I experienced with my pregnancy. My mom had 4 kids, 9 lbs 9 oz, 9 lbs .5 oz, 10 lbs 1 oz, 9 lbs 13 oz. and because all 4 of us were large babies, everyone told me that my daughter would also be a large baby. They told my sister the same thing with hers. My niece was 8 lbs 15.5 oz. My sister ate a lot and ate often. And she ate whatever she wanted, when she wanted it. My sister is 5'6 and small framed, about 120-125 before the pregnancy. My daughter was born at 7 lbs. 8 oz. I ate sensibly and still ate when I needed to. I am 5'3 and small framed, about 120 before the pregnancy. Basically, instead of eating Oreos for snack, I ate a piece of cheese or a yogurt. All of this is basically to say, while it can depend some on genetics, genetics will NOT solely determine what size baby you will have. Basically, my advice, eat well, eat healthy, and take everyone's advice and suggestions with a grain of salt because no one pregnancy is the same as any other. Relax and enjoy the ride. It will end all too soon and you will have another beautiful baby.

La'El - posted on 04/05/2010

My first was 8lbs 3oz. The next pregnancy I ate better and laid off the soda completely and my second was 6lbs 6oz. The difference in births was huge. the first i was in labor for 20 hours, pushed for an hour and tore from here to eternity. The second I was in labor for 5 hour, pushed three times and didn't have a singl tear.

watch what you eat, watch your blood sugar and walk until you think you can walk any more!

Kathy - posted on 04/05/2010

Rebecca My first baby and my last baby were both born vaginal and the middle child was an ER c-section due to the baby being in distress. I believe the best way to have a healthy normal birth child might be in the doctors knowledge and in God's hands. Ask your doctor what you might do to help you to give birth vaginally with a smaller baby. I know exactly what you are saying you dont care to be laid up in the hospital and your son is with another person.I believe one c-section is all anyone should ever have to experience but then some must have one for EVERY delivery they experience. Keep researching until you are happy with the info and follow accordingly. God will help you thru this. Good Luck and enjoy each child as they are all different in one way or another and a joy and blessing to us mothers.

Heather - posted on 04/05/2010

Well, I haven't looked into any research done on this, but I'm vegetarian and had small, healthy babies. I can't help but wonder if what they're putting into animals before they're eaten is affecting the size of babies these days, since all the other babies born in the hospital (at the same time my second was) were over 9 lbs. I'm not saying become vegetarian - if you're not already - but perhaps some organic meat might help? Something to look into, anyway. Otherwise, yeah... just eat normal - like you're eating for one and a quarter instead of two. Though maybe you did that last time! The rest, I believe, is up to genetics. I wish you the best of luck!

Rachel - posted on 04/05/2010

Rebecca, I would really look into a Midwife, they will watch your diet a lot closer than the Dr. and if you don't want to go that route then find a Dr. that is TRULY willing to do a VBAC. A Lot of c-sections are due to FTP which in my terms is Failure to be patient.

Lana - posted on 04/05/2010

as a much as a c section sucks......
The health of your baby is what is most important, my son was interuterine growth restricted. He was born at 35 weeks via c section because he would not be able to handle a vaginal birth. He was 3 lbs 7 oz, and in intermediate care nursery for 3 weeks. Now, for my second child, no i do not want a c section again ever, however if it came down to needing it, what really matters is that i would have a healthy baby at the end.

Lolita - posted on 04/05/2010

The only thing I can say is what my doctor told me. Cut out sugar!!! Some things are genetic but if you're real concerned then everything you do can help. So try to eat food with out sugar. Hope this helps. I'm due at the end of May and worry about having a big baby too.

Allyne - posted on 04/05/2010

I exercised throughout my pregnancy and ate well and still had a 9 pounder so I don't think there is anything you can do to make your baby smaller :) It's gonna be what it's gonna be! You can however do lots of squats and perinatal massage to open up your pelvis and increase your chances for a vaginal birth. There are some great prenatal exercise videos out there that will help you do just that. I also reccommend a birthing class that will teach you labouring positions to also increase your chances for a vaginal birth!

Rebecca - posted on 04/05/2010

Ann, The first night after my c-section I was bed ridden. I couldn't move from my bed at all. I couldn't even sit up without assistance. I was left in the hospital with out help because the hospital was understaffed and my partner wasn't allowed to stay because c-section patients had to share rooms.

Feeding and bonding with my baby was difficult because I couldn't pick him up. I asked the nurse that was on that evening to pass him to me and she replied " just rock him like that, we won't take him till 10 o'clock". She then left me helpless with a crying baby to comfort.

There are also so many health hazards that come with c-sections and bringing them into the world before they are ready. Things like respiratory problems from under developed lungs and mucus that isn't expelled through being pushed through the birth canal. The baby can also be cut by the surgeon as did happen to my son. Your milk can also take several days to come in.

The recovery time for a c-section is 2 weeks, but the recovery time for a vaginal birth is 3-4 days some times less. Try chasing a toddler around and caring for him while you can only lift the weight of your baby. You can't drive for 6 weeks. And on top of that, it is a serious abdominal surgery that can cause death for the mother through complications and higher risks of the placenta in bedding itself into the scar tissue which can result in a hysterectomy, multiple surgeries to have it removed and death.

Ann - posted on 04/05/2010

your baby will be the size it is going to be you cant choose or make it smaller its mother nature. My little girl was 4lb 7oz and all i did was worry and then a 7 weeks she ended up in hospital cos her immune system was low why dont you as to have a planned c-section prior to your delivery date?

Titilayo - posted on 04/05/2010

Yes, I agree with Dana....seek a doctor's advice to enable you know what is actually right for you to consume.......

Dana - posted on 04/05/2010

I know you edited your title from "How can I make my next baby smaller" but you really need to think about your reasons for asking this. I understand your trauma but you should instead seek a different doctor who is willing to work with you on this and not AGAINST your baby.

Titilayo - posted on 04/05/2010

Rebecca, I think you should watch the actual calories you consume when you are pregnant....wish you the best...

Rebecca - posted on 04/05/2010

Thanks for your encouragement Rose, but unfortunately they won't induce a woman that has had a c-section because of the fear of uterine rupture.

Michelle - posted on 04/05/2010

Birth is a natural thing: You have control not he doctors. If, If there is an emergency then of course they are great, but they act as though you ar ill when you are pregnant. I am an insulin dependent diabetic. I knew instintively that my pregnancy and baby were fine and had a home birth. You can imagine the type of stuff I had to listen to. I would drop the milk! Eat a varied and healthy diet, keep a good level of exercise and then intend to have a vaginal birth, (yes you may need to put your foot down), but be sensible and if for a proper reason (not that gumpf you wrote down as the doctors reason) you need to ahve your baby delivered for you - then so be it. I don't know America's systems but find another doctor! Even if you need a c-section it's important to feel safe when you give birth and I get teh feeling you don't trust this one. Hope all goes well with you - congratulations. I've just had my second and it's a joy having 2.

Tiffany - posted on 04/04/2010

My advice would me to go ahead and have the section. I understand that u dont want to spend time away from your son, but with that in mind, think, ur vagina has never experianced child birth. The pain following your first vaginal birth is horrible. I had to have internal stitches. Plus there is swelling and lots of pain and burning. So even if u were to have a vaginal birth, you would still have trouble walking, sitting, if he is young you would have trouble lifting him. It is bad. I couldnt walk or sit for 2 weeks. My experiance may have been extreem, but either way, it is painful after the first vaginal birth and either way it will be taking time away from ur son. When i had my 2nd, my son came to visit everyday. I would explain to him mommy would come home soon and bring the baby with me. Plus, with a section u r only in the hospital one more day than with a vaginal delevery. So it wouldnt be a big diff. Unless its diff where u r from. Also, my son stayed every night with a diff family member to keep his mind off of me and my hubby. He had lots of fun. So maybe it will be fun for ur son as well. It will be like a lil mini vacation and u can talk to him about all the stuff he did while mommy was at the hospital

Jessica - posted on 04/04/2010

trust me, you do not want a small baby. I didnt try to have a small baby, but iv never had a big appetite, so like 1 meal a day with a few snacks, but me and the father are pretty skinny though. My daughter was 4 lbs when she was born, and we spent weeks in the hospital! It was the worst, seeing her hooked up to machines and living in an incubator where i couldnt hold her.. it sucks. try to have the healthiest baby!!

Rose - posted on 04/04/2010

I have big babies also not as big as your fortunatley but my daughter was 8lbs 12 oz and i have a small frame. My doc suggested giving birth at 37 weeks by being induced as i want to do it vaginally. They are going to do an amniocentesis when the time comes around to check the lungs. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about this option. I have about 2 months to go and my baby is about 4 lbs already. I hope this helps.

Kristen - posted on 04/04/2010

please don't try to make your baby smaller. focus on a healthy pregnancy.

Jeanne - posted on 04/04/2010

If you want a proper healthy diet when you get pregnant this time around as your doctor to recommend a nutritionnist....it might not reduce the size of your baby but it will help your overall health. As for having a c-section if that is what it takes to deliver a healthy baby I am all for it. My daughter was born vaginally but I am the one who almost didn't make it - so when they told me I needed a c-section with my son I wasn't freaked out I took it as being best for my baby - which was the case because the umbilical cord was wrapped around his body five times and it would have caused the cord to be prolapsed and we would have lost him. And count youself lucky that you had a baby of that size by c-section because you might have torn badly or dislocated a hip with a baby of that size. Good luck.

Alisa - posted on 04/04/2010

This is a really interesting dilemma/debate!! I'm kind of in a similar situation myself except I'm not against having a section. If I need one, and its good for me and my baby..just do it!



My first baby was 10lb 2oz but a v difficult birth and almost an emergency C section...I would have been so mad as I had already had epidural, episiotomy, ventouse and forceps!!



Needless to say this time, I'm a little concerned about what the birth will be like for me and my baby.

My GP has strongly advised, (and she is a mother of 4 herself, but not an OBGYN) that I ought to think seriously about an elective C section as "second babies are almost always bigger" and it would be "HIGHLY unlikely" that I would manage to avoid permanent damage this time around. T

his of course is simply her opinion based upon her experience and treating new mums with perforated bowels, leaky bladders and sexual dysfunction!! Lovely. And thats not mentioning the stuff that can happen to the baby!!



This is all, to most women, quite frightening!

I'm trying to be subjective though. Noone can see into the future and I don't want to commit to an elective section unless required.



Although there has been plenty of mention about your family's birth weights there has been no mention of how big your frame is. This, my GP said is definitely a factor. It makes sense right!? Some women have big frames and big hips and so 10 or 12 pound babies are no problem. My Dad's family are all big people and have had big babies, all naturally and my husband's family are all 6 feet tall and have had big babies too. At 130 pounds and 5 foot 5, I'm no midget but still.



I have been asked to take part in a nutritional study in my local maternity hospital on the influence of genetics vs diet and exercise on high birth weight babies so that should be interesting. I'll be carefully monitored by them throughout my pregnancy with blood tests and intermittent food diaries. Can't wait to read the results of that study! I'll see if I can post a link to it on COM when they publish results.



Anyway, perhaps you should relax a little, enjoy your pregnancy, get a second opinion and just try stay healthy and be prepared for both outcomes.



But really I don't think any of us have much of an idea what kind of birth we're likely to have until we're well into our third trimesters, and neither do the obstetricians, midwives or..clairvoyants!! No matter what they say. Good luck.