Is My Baby Too Big?
All too often you hear of doctors telling pregnant moms that their baby is too big. Based on dates they are ESTIMATING the size of your baby and then alarmingyou that your baby is approximately this weight at this date so by full term your baby will be too big to deliver naturally. This usually is just another way for doctors and hospitals to scare you and therefore schedule a cesarean section when it is convenient for the doctor and hospital.
Many mothers have been unnecessarily worried that their baby was too big and after a successful natural birth they find out the doctors were wrong! Recently a new mom was told her baby would be over 10 lbs. which naturally had this mom a bit worried, but she still fought for a natural, drug-free birth. After 18 hours of labor that is exactly what she had and she delivered her 7 1/2 lbs. baby boy perfectly well. Her baby was not too big! Even if he was over 10 lbs. would that have been too big? Absolutely not, because every pregnant mom’s body knows instinctively how to birth a baby no matter what the size.
Another mom was told the same thing by her doctors. Although she wanted a natural birth she was so worried about her baby being too big that she ended up having an unplanned c-section. Sure enough her baby was only 8 lbs. This mom felt cheated and robbed by her doctors. Had they not planted the “too big” seed of fear in this mom she probably could have pushed through her labor and delivered her daughter naturally.
So, if you hear this from your doctor, don’t just go along with it, stop and say, WHAT, my body knows the size my baby needs to be and I will be able to birth my baby naturally. Be Confident, Be Strong and Be Beautiful because that is what you are!
113 Responses to “Is My Baby Too Big?”
Comment from Abram Delacy
Time September 4, 2010 at 8:13 am
I never really thought of questioning my doctor about the size of my baby. He says it is really big, maybe I should stop worrying and go with my instincts.
Comment from Carrol Gillet
Time September 4, 2010 at 3:13 pm
yeah, my baby was over 10 lbs but it didn’t matter, i pushed her out on my own!
Comment from Merilyn Zarlingo
Time September 5, 2010 at 3:15 am
what about a baby being too small??? My son was 5lbs and born full term and the nurses and doctors kept pressuring me to supplement nursing with formula to make him gain weight faster. I don’t think or feel that is the right thing to do, so I am only nursing. Anyone else have this problem?
Comment from Sandi Onezne
Time September 11, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Merilyn, my little girl was very small too and I heard the same stuff from my doctors, but like you I trusted my instincts and did not supplement with formula. be confident and know that you are making the best decisions for you daughter. Every baby grows at his or her own pace in and out of the womb.
Comment from Gigi
Time September 27, 2010 at 12:51 am
I did have a big baby, labor and delivery wern’t the issue it was recovery after. I found an elastic band that was very comfortable post-pregnancy! Kept me from feeling like my internal organs were dangling by a string in the abyss of my post-big-baby abdominal cavity. That was a bit graphic .. sorry! In the end it is all good!
Comment from secrest
Time September 28, 2010 at 12:02 am
I saw my chiropractor while I was pregnant. The regular adjustments kept my spine and pelvis in alignment which helped me during labor and delivery of my “too big” baby.
Comment from SashaBondy
Time September 28, 2010 at 2:33 am
There is no way to truly tell before labor how big your baby truly is OR how big a baby you could give birth to safely. It might actually be easier for large babies in the face down position to come out more easily.
Comment from Leah Hughes
Time October 1, 2010 at 2:05 am
This sounds article sounds like my story….. My OB said my baby was large and moved up my due date. He suggested that I consider a c-section because he doesn’t think I can have the baby vaginally. I’m seriously considering the c-section because I’m afraid of labor. Maybe I should question him further?
Comment from horserescue
Time October 2, 2010 at 9:40 am
Lesson learned: Don’t take everything your doctor says to heart; they make mistakes too. 5 days before my son was born, my ob told me my son was about 6.5 Lbs. He weighed 8lbs when he was born. They later said it must have been the way he was positioned, since I was carrying him so low. Doctors can only give more of an educated guess than actual fact.
Comment from flowerdesign
Time October 2, 2010 at 9:40 am
When you stop to think about it everything is just an educated guess from her till birth. Mother Nature knows best!
Comment from Kristina Clark
Time October 2, 2010 at 9:41 am
don’t forget your due date could possibly be off by a week or two weeks and that could also be why your baby seems bigger then should be.
Comment from yvetteavant
Time October 3, 2010 at 6:45 pm
My doc was also wrong — said my baby was at least nine pounds, scared the pee-jeebles outta me, and I delivered a 7 lb 9 oz baby.
Comment from emilyharris73
Time October 4, 2010 at 11:02 pm
I think this is just another way for doctors to push us into having a planned c-section, when it is convenient for them of course.
Comment from neecy
Time October 4, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Yes! more power to the Mom’s. Docs don’t know everything.
Comment from Colleen
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:32 am
I agree! Who is to say what is too big? I am a petite 5′ tall lady and I had a very successful, natural, vaginal birth with my “too big” baby boy at 10lbs, 4oz.
Comment from LisaD
Time October 20, 2010 at 6:16 am
My daughter (child #2) went posterior and she was on the smaller side (i.e. she had lots of wriggle room). But in the end she did turn and come out after a quick 4 hour labor. Who is to say too small or too big?
Comment from momOFtwo
Time October 20, 2010 at 6:16 am
I am so over my doctor telling me to plan a c-section because she thinks my baby might be too big. I think i should ditch the hospital and go for a home birth.
Comment from miastewart
Time October 20, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Great post! I would like to see more on this topic!!
Comment from Supermom
Time October 21, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Great read! Finally some one is talking about this ridiculous thing that docs are telling moms.
Comment from Kayla
Time October 24, 2010 at 7:44 am
Well my baby was too big, she was delivered by csection and I wish I could have had the fairy tale birth that I had planned, oh well maybe next time.
Comment from Brooklynrichards
Time October 24, 2010 at 10:59 am
I was huge with my 2nd baby, so I just assumed that my baby was going to be huge, but I was wrong. She was only 7 lbs. That shows you you don’t know until your baby is out.
Comment from heather
Time October 27, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I know that being in excellent physical shape helped me during pregnancy and delivery. I had a natural birth and my “too big” baby was 10 lbs 9 oz. I am sure if I was out of shape it would have been harder.
Comment from Rosie
Time October 28, 2010 at 2:15 am
Oh I am not worried about my baby being too big but I am definitely worried that my butt is too big. Will I ever loose the big baby butt that I have grown over the last 9 months?
Comment from Rylie
Time October 28, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Finally a website that is pro-Mom! Thanks for the info. I am pregnant with my first baby and have heard so many stories from my friends that if my baby is too big I won’t be able to deliver vaginally. Well I am not buying to it. I am sure my body knows just what size my baby should be.
Comment from Sula
Time October 28, 2010 at 7:46 pm
If your doctor tells you that your baby is too Big…..run fast! Go to a midwife instead!
Comment from Kelly
Time October 28, 2010 at 8:53 pm
My first baby was big over 10 lbs. And now that I am pregnant again my doctor said that I am an automatic cesarian because of the risk of having another big baby and possible complications. When I heard this I automatically knew I had to find a new doctor. Actually this time I am having my baby at a birthing center and have a wonderful midwife who is supportive!
Comment from Brianna
Time October 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I just had a prenatal visit with my doctor and she thinks my baby is going to be over 10 lbs. She even mentioned that my baby could get stuck in the birth canal. I wasn’t worried about a vaginal delivery but now I am a bit scared. I guess I shouldn’t worry so much since it sounds like many big babies have been born vaginally.
Comment from JackieJ
Time October 28, 2010 at 11:06 pm
My OB estimated that my son was 9 lbs give or take a pound, he was actually 10 lbs 6 oz and I delivered him vaginally without a problem!
Comment from Macy Canino
Time October 30, 2010 at 6:28 am
Brianna, don’t worry about your baby getting stuck in your birth canal, I believe that this is a way a for your doc to scare you into a c-section. They make a lot more money on c-sections! Try to relax.
Comment from Monicam
Time November 3, 2010 at 5:08 am
When I had my daughter in a hospital they told me that her head was too big to fit in my pelvis while I was in labor, feeling desperate and scared I went along with the suggested c-section. Now that I am more informed I will not let that happen again.
Comment from Joli
Time November 5, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I think the theory of babies being too big is a fallacy …..
Comment from B.Dover
Time November 5, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Thanks for this post, I am going to give it to my doc!
Comment from Doubtful
Time November 11, 2010 at 8:10 am
I am being told that my pelvis is too small to birth my baby naturally. Thanks to this information and a few of my own doubts I am going to find a different OB.
Comment from Tina
Time November 11, 2010 at 9:34 am
No matter what the subject is, if you are not getting the answers that you need from your doctor then it is time to find a new doctor or midwife.
Comment from Second opinion
Time November 11, 2010 at 11:01 am
When it comes to obstetrics and saying a woman’s body isn’t capable of birth, I think getting another opinion is very important!!
Comment from Shantelle
Time November 11, 2010 at 12:21 pm
I gained a lot of weight when I was pregnant with my second baby. My weight pre-pregnancy was 100 lbs and when i was 9 months pregnant I wass 160 pounds! I was concerned that my baby was going to be very big, however he was 8 lbs 1 oz. Which is not too big. His birth was easier for me than my first daughter and she was only 5 lbs 12 oz. It goes to show you that size is not the only factor in being able to birth your babies vaginally. Baby size is unique to each woman!
Comment from RN Rhiannon
Time November 11, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Your birthing position can help with having a large baby. Squatting is a great way to widen your pelvis and make the birth canal shorter. Plus many mothers say they feel very powerful, supported and grounded in this position.
Comment from KristA
Time November 11, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Baby size is in the genes. I am a tall momma and I have had big babies.
Comment from Sun momma
Time November 11, 2010 at 8:03 pm
It doesnt matter how big your baby is or how it was born (naturally or via csection) as long as you have a healthy baby to hold in your arms, that is what really matters!
Comment from Hibiscus
Time November 11, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Quite honestly I am freaked out to have a c-section but I am also nervous about having a big baby. Thanks fir the supportive info it give me more confidence.
Comment from kerala
Time November 12, 2010 at 4:53 am
My doctor is wanting to induce labor because I have gestational diabetes and she thinks my baby is too big. I don’t really want to do this but am a bit scared of the possible complications of having a big baby. Any advice?
Comment from Callie
Time November 12, 2010 at 6:18 am
I don’t think my baby will be too big, but I am nervous about tearing. I really don’t want to have to get stitches down there.
Comment from Flakes
Time November 12, 2010 at 9:08 am
Perineum massage during the last few weeks of pregnancy works well to prepare for birth.
Comment from indy sadie
Time November 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Perineum massage can highly reduce your chances of tearing. I used a nice massage oil with herbs made by Wish Garden. You can find this specific perineum massage oil at most natural grocery stores or online.
Comment from Willow
Time November 12, 2010 at 7:41 pm
My first son was 9 lb 6 oz and my daughter was 8 lbs 12 oz and now I am expecting our 2nd son in a month. I am measuring 2 weeks bigger than I am and guess this boy is going to be big as well. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that ii just make big babies! My first two were born vaginally and that is the plan for the third as well. It can be done!
Comment from Teresa
Time November 12, 2010 at 9:08 pm
After a less than ideal experience (to say the least) at the hospital with my first daughter I found a midwife and planned a homebirth for my second baby. I am very proud to say she was born here at home, and it was the most wonderful experience I could have hoped for. I couldn’t have planned it to go any better – well ok, I could have reduced the amount of pain I guess, but other than that, it was absolutely perfect for me! I wish every mom to have an amazing birth expereice just as I did with my second daughter born at home!
Comment from Lynn
Time November 12, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Hi Kerala- just because your doctor thinks you are going to have a big baby is not necessarily a reason to induce labor. Inducing could actually cause more complications and you may have a higher chance of ending up having a c-section. Avoid induction if you can!
Comment from Riley Dixon
Time November 12, 2010 at 11:59 pm
I agree with Lynn, avoid inducing labor. Your body will go into labor when it is ready!
Comment from wonderintheeyes
Time November 13, 2010 at 2:52 am
The size of your baby will depend on the health of your uterus. The healthy you are and the closer you go to full term, the larger your baby will get. At the same time, your body is preparing for that baby; whatever size that might be.
Comment from ani403mom
Time November 13, 2010 at 4:17 am
The one thing that I am most grateful for is the support of my husband and family. My doctor made comment after comment about my baby growing too quickly on my first baby and it lead to a c-section. For baby two (my Daughter Isabelle) I had a midwife and we never worried once about her healthly 8 lbs 2 ozs.
Comment from celbaby122
Time November 13, 2010 at 5:45 am
I would often hear from my doctor that my baby was too big and that the birth may have to be induced early. I’m glad that I stuck to my intuition and was adamant that I birth my baby at home and on my own. I have some of the best memories to cherish because of that decision.
Comment from tramelid
Time November 13, 2010 at 7:11 am
For those folks who say that your baby is too big, I think they’re crazy. If you can grow this amazing soul in your belly, you can certainly birth it as well.
Comment from Samsmom
Time November 13, 2010 at 8:41 am
Holy cow! I can’t believe the crap that women hear. Don’t buy into the idea that your baby is too big!!!!!
Comment from Sarahjenkins
Time November 13, 2010 at 10:08 am
My baby is measuring large so my OB is suggesting that we induce labor to avoid having a c-section. Anyone else going through this?
Comment from Cuddles
Time November 13, 2010 at 11:34 am
My last two babies were born at home because I was fed up with the doctors telling me bogus stuff like this.
Comment from resultS54
Time November 13, 2010 at 12:59 pm
My sister was told that her baby was too big by her doctor. She succumb to the pressure and had a cesarean. During her second birth, she stayed steadfast in her home birth desire. 7.5 pounds of pure natural joy and birth! Good work sis.
Comment from Breck101cb
Time November 13, 2010 at 2:25 pm
The size of your baby is not nearly as important as the size of your desire to have a natural birth. Follow your heart.
Comment from aussie24
Time November 13, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I have known woman of less than 100 pounds who gave birth vaginally without an epidural to a child over 9 pounds! The size of your baby is usually not an issue. The human body is amazing and I believe that a woman can birth any child that she can grow in her belly.
Aussie24
Comment from PatNovac
Time November 13, 2010 at 5:21 pm
For those of you who are told that your baby is too big, what about your diet? Has your doctor talked to you about that?
Comment from Zara
Time November 13, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I agree, women wake up and question the so-called experts!!
Comment from water birth
Time November 15, 2010 at 5:59 am
I had a large baby delivered by c-section 4 years ago and I still have emotional wounds. I wish for every woman to have their ideal birth.
Comment from Doula Dawn
Time November 15, 2010 at 7:30 am
So I am totally annoyed that my friends keep saying that their doctor delivered their baby. I just want to yell out no your doctor did not deliver your baby, YOU delivered your baby! The doctor or midwife is the one either catching the baby or cutting the baby out. Come on moms let’s get with it and take the credit of delivering your baby!
Comment from cafergot
Time November 15, 2010 at 10:30 am
Don’t believe everything your doctor says. I would recommend going with a midwife. My first pregnancy I had an MD. Second time I went with a midwife – the experience with the latter was wonderful!
Comment from tina257
Time November 15, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I am so glad I found this site. Pregnancy is exciting but scary too. This has answered a lot of my questions and concerns.
Comment from Ava Johanson
Time November 15, 2010 at 4:28 pm
If you are doing everything right – eating healthy, drinking lots of water and getting your rest, then you shouldn’t worry too much.
Comment from Ingrid
Time November 15, 2010 at 11:52 pm
So maybe you are measuring large for your estimated due date, however that doesn’t always mean your baby is going to be too big.
Comment from Kane miller
Time November 16, 2010 at 2:56 am
Shoulder dystocia can be a very serious and painful complication of having a baby that is large.
Comment from Roni
Time November 16, 2010 at 4:28 am
The average weight of a newborn baby is 7 lbs. 8 oz. There is no way to know exactly how big your baby is until it is born and put on the scale.
Comment from diamonds forever
Time November 16, 2010 at 9:24 am
The only way to tell if a baby is too big to deliver vaginally is to try it!
Comment from SatNam
Time November 16, 2010 at 11:03 am
Ther are Pygmy women in Africa who are only 4 feet tall and the average weight of their babies is 8 pounds. That is equivalent to a Woman who is 5 ft. 6 inches giving birth to a 14 lb baby!
Comment from Donna mayfield
Time November 16, 2010 at 12:37 pm
If you have a baby in a hospital and have shoulder dystocia then you will probably end up having an emergency c-section.
Comment from Suzanne
Time November 16, 2010 at 2:13 pm
There is a huge mind body connection during pregnancy, labor and birth. Be confident in your body’s natural abilities to give birth to any baby no matter what the size. If you are focusing the words that your doctor told you about not being able to birth your baby then it just might happen.
Comment from Tulsi
Time November 16, 2010 at 3:52 pm
My baby was 10lbs2oz and because of his size and positioning he and I suffered from shoulder dystocia (basically his shoulder got caught under my pubic bone)! Luckily, I had an excellent team of midwives and with their help and maneuvering they were able to get him loose. It was extremely painful and scary for me as well. Thank God he and I were both all right! I know shoulder dystocia is rare but it can happen.
Comment from Kat
Time November 16, 2010 at 5:26 pm
somewhere around hour 12 of labor in the hospital my doctor advised me to have an emergency c-section because of “failure to progress” (I can’t stand that term, now), because I was worried and scared I went along with her advice and shortly later my baby was cut from my womb. My doctor later told me that my baby’s head was too big and that was why I was not progressing. Oh how this totally frustrates me! I don’t believe that my son’s head was too big and I am sure if I would have been given more time to labor I could have delivered him naturally. Next time I will not let the doctor fill my mind with fearful thoughts.
Comment from simone swather
Time November 16, 2010 at 7:02 pm
The notion that children are too big is not totally crazy. What is crazy is that woman believe that their doctor knows more than their bodies. Listen to your body, woman have been listening since the beginning of time.
Comment from mattina
Time November 16, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I love the last line…be confident, Be strong, be beautiful…..that is exactly how I felt during my pregnancy!
Comment from Kammiskids
Time November 16, 2010 at 8:39 pm
When I was pregnant with my average sized baby boy I gained a lot of weight, like 60 pounds And I was so uncomfortable carrying all of that extra weight. Most of the weight was in my big baby belly, I found an elastic band that I could wrap around my waist to help hold up my baby belly and it was so relieving. Thankgod for that band.
Comment from BethAnn
Time November 16, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Kat, I am so sorry you had a negative experience with the birth of your daughter. You are absolutely entitled to feelings of resentment towards the doctor who made you feel scared into having a c-section. I too had a similar experience with my first born and swore to never put myself in that position again. I have since had two successful and empowering VBAC home births. You might want to consider a home birth the next time around as it was very healing for me.
Comment from ambray
Time November 17, 2010 at 1:44 am
thanks for your straight forward comments, they helped me!
Comment from Bettina Zinni
Time November 17, 2010 at 2:15 am
I’m Fed up with doctors thinking they are in charge! this is my body and my baby and I will not be told when and how any longer..thanks for the insight!
Comment from adanne
Time November 17, 2010 at 3:27 am
the only time I have heard of a baby being too big is if the mom is diabetic.
Comment from alixia
Time November 17, 2010 at 5:07 am
C-sections are money makers for hospitals and convenient for doctors!
Comment from Sue Williams
Time November 17, 2010 at 8:32 am
After I had my third baby, I FINALLY realized that doctors do not know it all. I am pregnant with my fourth, due next month and was told my baby was on the larger size. All of my other babies have been normal weight, so I am not going to worry!
Comment from bschultz
Time November 17, 2010 at 10:15 am
I really do believe a lot of this has to due with convenience for your doctor to just have it on their schedule. I hope that if anyone is told that, they would get a second option at the very least.
Comment from nancy4
Time November 17, 2010 at 11:55 am
Listen to your instinct. Doctors are not always right!
Comment from Avery
Time November 17, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I measured 42 cm when i was 40 weeks pregnant and I delivered my baby vaginally. My OB was expecting me to have trouble with the shoulders but I pushed my baby out without any tearing or problems. It just goes to show you that anything can be done!
Comment from cindyathome
Time November 17, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Did your wife’s doctor passage her perineum? That makes a huge difference!
Comment from Penny
Time November 18, 2010 at 12:10 am
Baby too big? Ha, the largest baby ever born vaginally was 23 lbs 12 oz and 30 inches long in 1879!
Comment from Fiona Flanning
Time November 18, 2010 at 2:56 am
Over 23 lbs OMG!!! 9 or 10 lbs doesn’t seem so big after all.
Comment from kaitlin
Time November 18, 2010 at 7:33 am
Yeah, but that 23 lb baby only lived for 11 hours. I have heard that the biggest vaginally born baby was around 15 lbs!
Comment from Gina
Time November 19, 2010 at 1:14 am
WOW! It is truly amazing what the female body can do!
Comment from Wiley Stotts
Time November 19, 2010 at 6:34 pm
My wife had a hard time delivering our daughter. I believe she was too big. She ended up in a lot of pain and needed stiches.
Comment from kaitlin
Time November 20, 2010 at 3:18 pm
My baby was on the larger size for me. I am 5’4″ and when he was born we weighed 8lbs 13 oz. With perineum massage and lots of patience everything went great! I am so glad I did not buy into what my doc was saying.
Comment from harristexas
Time November 21, 2010 at 8:28 am
I think this whole issue of is my baby too big is ridiculous! What did they do 500 hundred years ago?
Comment from Carmen Arizaga
Time November 23, 2010 at 4:24 am
I was told my baby was too big and I need to schedule a c-section! I went into labor on my own prior to the the scheduled c-section, and my vaginal delivery went just fine!
Comment from Israel Miessner
Time November 25, 2010 at 1:43 am
I do not believe God would make a “baby too big” in the womb.
Comment from Kiyokomom
Time December 5, 2010 at 1:34 am
I had a 9 lb. baby that I birthed vaginally and all went great!
Comment from Alexandria Schepens
Time December 7, 2010 at 8:56 am
During pregnancy your body is producing hormones that help all of your muscles, joints and legiments relax so they can be stretched during labor and birth. What an amazing design!
Comment from Marya Stocking
Time December 8, 2010 at 11:31 am
This is why babies have soft spots on their heads. During birth the baby’s head (skull) can smoosh together to become small enough to fit through your pelvis. A few hours later your baby’s head will return to it’s normal shape.
Comment from Lacy
Time December 9, 2010 at 8:31 am
If your doctor is telling you that your baby is too big then walk away. Pregnancy is a time when you should be resting, relaxing and preparing for your birth not worrying about it.
Comment from Devon Trogstad
Time December 9, 2010 at 5:44 pm
My birth went great despite the large size of my baby (9.5 lbs). I birthed my baby vaginally and all went swell.
Comment from Birth video
Time December 15, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I have found this video and what a nice visual to show that women can birth their big and small naturally!
Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roFVkDV45MM
Comment from Alaine
Time December 19, 2010 at 6:09 pm
The idea that your pelvis is too small for your baby is an overused casual label and often a needless source of “my body doesn’t work” anxiety.
Comment from MobiMom
Time December 28, 2010 at 6:48 am
Many women tear but that does not mean their babies are too big. Tearing naturally is still better than having an episiotomy.
Comment from Omshanti
Time December 29, 2010 at 9:17 am
It is truly amazing what the female body is capable of especially during child birth. I encourage all expecting moms to have faith in themselves and a higher power.
Comment from 2sweetgirls
Time September 2, 2010 at 4:49 am
I believe that every mom and baby are uniquely and perfectly matched. Big, small or average your baby is just right for you!