28/01/2024
Let's talk about big babies for this !
In the United States, a "big baby" is a baby born at or after 39 weeks gestation who weighs over 8 pounds 13 ounces (4000g). About one in ten babies in the US are considered big.
ACOG, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, states induction is not recommended for babies who are suspected to be big. This is because evidence shows induction does not improve outcomes for mother or baby.
Regarding a planned cesarean for a big baby, ACOG states a c-section may be considered to prevent shoulder dystocia if the estimated fetal weight is more than 11 pounds (5000g) in mothers without diabetes or more than 9 pounds 15 ounces (4500g) in mothers with diabetes. This recommendation from ACOG is based on consensus and expert opinion only, not on research evidence.
To learn more about the Evidence on: Induction or Cesarean for a Big Baby, here's an article from Evidence Based Birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/
