Did You Have a Big Preggie Belly?

Hi,
My expierence with this is I gained 60 LBS. with both of my pregnancies! Everyone including myself thought my babies would be HUGE but my ds was only 7 lbs 11 oz 21 in. My dd was 7 lbs. 12 oz. 19 1/2 in. So they were both vaginal deliveries. I wish you Good Luck and Congrats!

Hi N.,
I was HUGE! I am only 5ft 3in and my hubby swore my belly was bigger than the rest of me put together. My daughter was 7lbs 14 oz.

Good Luck

I didn't start to show until a month or two before my 1st baby was born. He was 7lbs 10oz which I was told is a pound above average. He was born naturally and quickly.Though a week late. I'm expecting my second now and at 20 weeks I'm still not showing.
A woman my husband works with had a baby and she looked as if she was going to have twins. Even the doctors believed there was going to be 2 boys because of odd positioning on the ultrasound. She ended up having 1 boy that was 4lbs something.
So I think it all has to do with body type.
As for labor, it's different for everyone everytime. You may go into this hoping to do it naturally and need a c-section. It doesn't mean you failed just that it would be unsafe otherwise. The contractions hurt alot and different people have different levels of pain tollerance. But when its done you don't remember how it hurt and the endorphines that kick in help. All I remember is it hurt bad and that when my little boy was born it was so much better. I was so out of it from birthing I didn't even know I had a second degree tear. But everything was worth it to have a healthy active 12 month old.

Do NOT be scared about your birth- it's a wonderful process and the amazing thing is just how capable your body is of birthing your baby. I had my first child at 39 weeks (scheduled c-section for breech presentation - had been planning a natural birth and was devastated) and looked pretty huge. He was 7# 10 oz. Second child was a completely natural VBAC (no epidural, IV, etc). I went to 41 weeks and 2 days and she was 8# 7 oz and I pushed her out with no trouble at all. I looked much bigger at 41 weeks than I did at 39 weeks! Remember: *everyone* looks huge during their last month of pregnancy.

If you are planning a natural birth I have the following suggestions:
1. do not get a late ultrasound unless there is some pressing medical need to do so. checking baby size and position are NOT reasons (unless baby was recently breech and you think it's flipped).
2. get a doula. Even if you don't have one now it's not too late. A doula will significantly improve your chances of getting the birth you want by helping your husband support you in labor and helping you advocate for yourself if your doctor suggests an intervention. Statistically, doulas lower the rate of interventions, the rate of c-sections, speed up labor by about 1 hour on average, and lower the rate at which women request pain relief. A doula does NOT replaced your husband (if he's concerned about that) - they will work as a team to support you.
3. Do not DO NOT let them induce you unless there is a true medical necessity (like the baby is not doing well). Most first pregnancies will go beyond 40 weeks - the average birth date for a first pregnancy is 40+5 days. Your baby is not considered "late" until 42 weeks. If you get past 41 weeks and your doctor gets antsy suggest a non-stress test to verify that everything is fine. They will tell you that neonatal mortailty rates double from 40 to 42 weeks, but the reality is that they double from 1/1000 to 2/1000 - still a very small risk.
4. Labor at home as long as possible. If you're somewhat nearby use the 3-1-1 rule (ctx 3 mins apart lasting 1 minute for 1 hour). If you're more than 30 minutes from the hospital you can use the 4-1-1 rule. Either way, don't go to the hospital until you have to sigh to get through the contractions and have been doing that for some time.
5. Remember you can say "no" to any intervention at all. You can also always ask for more time to discuss it. If it is a true life-threatening emergency you will know it because there will suddenly be 15 people running into your room saying "we have to get the baby out NOW!". Unless this is the case there's no hurry.

Finally, I suggest picking up a copy of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and reading through the birth stories for some inspiration. Another great book is the Birth Partner by Penny Simkin.

You'll do great!! BTW while it is true that there are "no trophies" for having a natural birth, I have a real sense of accomplishment for having done it. I was amazed at what my body was capable of and remember saying, minutes after I pulled my daughter onto my chest, "that was the hardest thing I've ever done... and worth every minute of it!" I think it's similar to running a marathon. Not everyone desires that sense of accomplishment but for those who do it is a very fulfilling experience (plus the bonus of meeting your baby makes it much better than a marathon). As I can attest, though, your baby may have other plans and ultimately we all have to roll with the punches because the details of the birth aren't very predictable, though of course the outcome is :)

There is absolutely no reason why a woman cannot labor naturally with a big baby. In fact, millions of woman do it all the time, all over the planet, without needing c-sections or pain medicine. In America, we are c-section and epidural crazy. The thing with epidurals, however, is that they numb you so much you can't push, and then you end up under the knife.

I labored naturally, with no pain killers, etc. for over 24 hours. It's all mental. If it is something you really want, it's yours for the having. All I know is that I left the hospital the next morning, and while tired, I felt great. I even took my baby for a walk the next day.

I took a Bradley class, and I'm thankful for doing that. Since you are due so soon, I'd recommend renting some birthing movies. I found it helpful to watch tons of women having babies, naturally, mostly at home. The representations we get from Hollywood are just wrong. I'd also highly recommend getting a doula, especially if you aren't using a midwife.

We were born to labor. There is nothing to be scared about. And while painful, you don't remember any of it, and trust me, I would do it again a million times -- and am doing it again in December.

Just make sure you tell everyone that you want to labor naturally and that you do not want to be asked if you want an epidural. If those around you are supportive, you will have no problem achieving your goal.

Sounds like your belly was similar to mine! I am a relatively thin person, but gained 45 pounds total during pregnancy, and all of it was in my belly. I was ALWAYS getting lots of comments from people certain that I was having twins, or that I was due any day, etc. Strangers, family, coworkers, everyone thought that.

My doctor felt that estimates are never really accurate (as your friends have experienced), so he didn't even want to guess on the baby's size. Landon ended up coming 9 days early and was 7 lbs. 9 oz. I was a little shocked, because I was hoping he'd be a 10 lb. baby or something so I could explain why I was so huge! :)

Overall, I would not worry about your baby's size. I don't feel your belly size necessarily correlates, and just plan for the birth you want!

I had a baby 8 months ago and I as enormous! I got the "twins" question all the time. My daughter was exactly 10 pounds at birth. I practiced hypnobirthing, and 11 days past my due date I was induced for high-ish blood pressure. From the time the induction started to the time she was born was 51 hours and 39 minutes. About 48 hours into it I had an epidural. My 22 year old brother had died just two days before I was induced (I literally went from the funeral to the hospital, hence the high blood pressure). So my main reason for getting the epidural was that I really hadn't slept in about a week (from the time my brother had gone into the hospital), and I was flat out exhausted. Given the situation, I'm glad I got the epi, because I was able to sleep and without being rested I don't know that I could have pushed out a 10 pounder. I pushed for two hours, which is exactly average for a first-timer. I had midwives, and one of them told me about having a big baby that if my body made a baby that size, then my body could get out a baby that size. So all in all, my advice is to stay positive (which I know is difficult when everyone keeps saying how big you are). Big babies are a great thing - mine has always, from day one, been very content, easy, and extremely healthy. They usually eat and sleep very well. Oh, and as far as delivering a 10 pound baby - pushing was hard work, but do-able. I had three tiny tears that each got one stitch - nothing major! You can totally handle it!

Hi N. -
I carried big with all 3 of mine and everyone asked me if I was carrying twins too. My 3 kids ended up being too big for me to deliver naturally so I had c-sections. The human body is amazing and perhaps your body will be made for it; just remember to watch how you eat (I used to crave proteins and salts like peanut butter and meat) as in the end the extra calories you consume will be harder to lose later. Good Luck to you and I wish for you a happy, healthy baby!

I looked freaking humongous with my first baby and now that I am carrying my second, I swear I look 6-7 months pregnant when I am only 4 months pregnant! All that being said, my first son (despite my HUGE preggo belly) was only 7 pound 1 ounce. If you looked at me now, you'd think that by the end of this thing I'd be delivering a 20 pounder!

If you want to have a natural birth then go into it with a positive attitude and the determination that this particular method is the way you want to proceed. Size shouldn't have anything to do with it - you either think you can or you think you can't.

yes, I was huge thru every pregnancy. I was in maternity clothes by 2 months all three times. When I got to the hospital to deliver my last one at 38 weeks, I was measuring 42 (supposed to be the week you are). My first pregnancy, my stretch marks split open at 8 1/2 months. I always measured large, always heard "are you sure you aren't having twins" and always heard the OB staff talk about how big my babies were going to be.
I had a 8lb 3 oz, 8lb, and a 9lb deliveries, in that order. Big, but not huge! First 2 with epidurals, and I chose to do the last one natural. You can do it, remember some lady delivered that 14lb baby in mexico a couple years back.

Good luck, stay calm & focused, and you can do it!!

From the other posts so far, it seems as if there is not necessarily a correlation between belly size and birth weight, and I would agree. I am on the taller side (5'7") and before geting pregnant I was average size (not thin, not overweight). With my first, my belly was big but not huge. Daughter was 7 pounds 11 ounces. With my second, I was huge. Lots of "are you sure you're not having twins?" comments. My son was big at 9 pounds 7 ounces. For both, I delivered vaginally and pushed for a very short time (20-30 minutes each time). Even my big boy delivered easily. Ignore the rude comments and have the best birth experience possible. And then enjoy your son when you meet him. Of all the things that people say about pregnancy, childbirth, raising kids, etc., most I take in as information, but with a grain of salt, and then do what's best for me and my family. But the one thing I have to whole heartedly agree with - having a child is the best and hardest, most amazing and challenging, fulfilling and wonderful experience of my life. My daughter will be 13 this year, so hopefully I will continue to think so! :-) Best of luck to you and your family. You'll do great!!

Hi N.!
Don't worry!!! I am sure you will be just fine! I gained alot of weight with both my girls, 30-40lbs each time, and my belly was HUGE!! Not sure how tall you are, the shorter you are, (like myself) the larger your belly looks. Both my girls were a normal weight 7lbs 5.5 oz and 6lbs 13oz. I am barely hitting the 5' mark, so as you can imagine, I looked like nothing but belly!! :)
Your first baby is always an exciting and scary thing....it's the first time your body has looked and felt like this, and well, it is a bit overwhelming...but don't worry, you and the baby will be fine. ;)

It is normal for these concerns.
Blessings!!

J.

N.,
I'm small (5'3", 100 lbs) so I was fairly small during both pregnancies and had 2 small babies (6lbs, 5 oz each). But, my best friend had 3 giant babies and she delivered all of them without any pain medication. One thing she said really helped her was using a doula. A doula is basically a person who helps the couple but especially the mother during pregnancy and labor. She offers physical and emotional support to help you follow your birth plan. I don't know what the cost is but it may be worth it to help you deliver naturally if that is your goal.

Keep in mind that people are basically idiots when it comes to staying stupid things to pregnant women. And some are down right rude. I was very small and people gave me the whole "are you having twins?!" schtick, too. Ignore the clueless massess and listen to your heart. You can do this! Good luck!

With my last two children, the dr.s said my babies were small...6lb or so. They were convinced! Kept telling me how small I was measuring. They wanted to induce labor with my last child because even the u/s measurements were small.... I never could understand why that would make them want to induce EARLY, but I think with doctors, they'll always err way over on the side of caution. I went into labor naturally and had a totally natural labor the day before the induction was scheduled and my daughter weighed 7 lb 6 oz....nothing small about her! You are right about going into it with the right mindset. You can do it, and it will be wonderful! Every woman's body is different and even if your child is large your body may be perfectly right for pushing that size through...Women with tiny babies can labor intensely and still end up with c-sections. Visualize that baby coming down down down with every contraction! Let your body do it's thing and don't be scared, take it one contraction at a time. Good luck to you!

You'd be amazed at how much of that could just be amniotic fluid - I was terrified of having my first baby until I went to the hospital and actually LOOKED at a newborn baby. They are so tiny! They grow up so fast, but when they are first born they are tiny and breakable. Plus you can ask your doctor and they can tell you around how big the baby is. That being said my friend had a nine pound baby just fine - with no drugs! You can do it! Just tell yourself over and over again that it's a small baby and it will come right out. Then when you're actually in labor visualize the baby coming out and it will be a lot easier TRUST ME!! I've had 3 babies.

I heard from some kind soul "Are you pregnant with twins?" and I still had a month to go!!!! I gained 50 pounds with each kid, but my first was 7 lbs 8 ounces, completely average and my other was 8 lbs 1 oz, a little larger, but not a turkey. Everyone is different. Your doctor should be able to give you an approx. weight, mine always did :)
Dont stress about it :)

I had both of my babies as a natural birth. I didn't have a particularly large belly, probably about average. However, I am a pretty small person (5 feet 2 inches) and I have pretty narrow hips. I was concerned with my first that my hips would be too narrow for a normal size baby. However, I had no problems at all. The pushing part for me and many people I know was actually the easy part of the labor. The harder part was getting through the contractions to get to the pushing part. I only pushed for about an hour or two the first time (and 10 minutes for the 2nd) and there was no additional pain besides the contractions. It actually felt much better during the pushing because it was more exciting and I felt like I was actually near the end and able to do something to help things progress. So my point is to not worry about the pushing part at all because that part is usually no more painful (and actually more enjoyable to me) than the rest of the natural labor. Good luck!

You have many varied responses which goes to the point that appearances mean little in determining the size your baby will be. What does matter? genetics
I and my siblings were all under 9 lbs. my husband and his brothers under 9 lbs.
So when with my 2nd child folks thought I was so large I was going to burst at 30 weeks, I was able to pay them no mind. I waddleed about until 41 weeks gaining exactly 40 lbs and naturally had a baby under 9 lbs.
You sound like you have a deep trust in yourself and your care providers. You can do it! Congratulations.

With my son I measured small up until the end and then I was huge. I have a small frame and I was really big at the end as well. I had a natural birth and my son was 8lbs 11 oz. Everyone was amazed that I had a "big" baby being as small as I am. I'm 5'4" and normally weigh about 120. So it can be done.

I carried HUGE with both of my boys. I measured 4 weeks ahead from very early on. I tried for natural with my first but was ill prepared and got an epidural at the last minute. Anyway my son was 7lbs 7oz, average size but he was 2 weeks early. I took a Bradley class during my second pregnancy and made it through 37 hours of labor and delivered a healthy 8lb 9oz boy at 41 weeks.
Even the staff that watched my labor throughout the night came back o see just how much that baby weighed.
End result is I won't be having any more babies, but if I did I would definitely go the 2nd way over the first. Your body CAN birth the babies it grows. You will be fine. Too may sections are preformed b/c the baby was soooo big and it turns out the baby was fairly normal sized.
Let your body do its job and you guys will all be great! Good Luck and enjoy it!

I "carried large" on every pregnancy. My first was a 9 lb 8 oz baby on my due date. If I hadn't gone into labor that day, I would have been induced. Unfortunately, the baby was so big, that after 24 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing, I needed to have a C-section.

I also carried large on my next two. My daughter was 8lb 4 oz, but was born two weeks early. My youngest was 9lb 12 oz and born 8 days before my due date.

I had people tell me how big I was compared to other pregnant women, and my mother-in-law constantly asking me if I was having twins EVERY TIME I was pregnant. Do not listen to this garbage. Your body is doing what it needs to do for your pregnancy and your baby. This may be different than how other people's bodies adapt. Better to be big and know that the baby is healthy, then to be small and wonder if the baby is not growing normally.

I would say the odds are that you will have a bigger baby since this is your first pregnancy. It does not necessarily mean you will have a C-section. I know plenty of women that have had 9 or 10 lbs babies on their first pregnancy and had normal deliveries. Don't stress out. Just keep an open mind. On the day you deliver your baby, go with the flow. It will be the happiest day of your life no matter whether you deliver vaginally or via C-section.
Best wishes for a speedy delivery!

P.S. My best friend also carried large, and delivered 7 or 8 lb babies, so it is definitely possible for the ultrasound predictions to be incorrect.

My first was 7lbs. 8oz. when my doctor told me she would be around 8 lbs. With my second, I was HUGE!! I was a week early and she was 9 lbs. 3 oz! I did deliver naturally with an epidural and everything was fine. Good luck!!

Congrats and you are very close! During both of my pregnancies people constantly told me how huge I was, asked me if I was due tomorrow when I would have 8 weeks left or something, whether I was having twins...on and on. It seems like the second you are showing, people just have to comment on how huge you are. Ugh. Anyway ignore the idiots, like the other moms say. I was about to just start telling people I was really the octomom. :)

And I'm not a huge person, 5'3" and about 135 pounds before pregnancies. I gained 30 lbs with the first one and 28 with the 2nd. Again, people are just stupid. I guess a lot of people don't realize that if you aren't tall, and have a short torso, you're going to look big.

Anyway my babies were 5 lbs 13 oz (35 weeker) and 6 lbs 11 oz (full term).

Hope that helps!

Hi N.!
Congratulations on your upcoming birth!! My advice to you is try not to worry (as difficult as that is!). Two weeks before my due date, I was told by my OB/GYN that the baby was already 8 lbs or so (so I was looking at around a 9 to 10-lb. baby by my due date), and that if I didn't go into labor by my due date, I would need an ultrasound to double-check the size of the baby and would likely need to be induced. Well, I gave birth (no c-section or induction) on my due date to a 6 lb. 13 oz. girl. Go figure. Dr. can be so off on their estimates, and how you look really has little to do with the size of the baby and more to do with the position of the baby. For example, I looked very big and had a relatively small baby, and a friend of mine looked very average, and had a 10-lb. baby. Your body knows what you can handle. Even if your little guy is rather large, your body knows what to do. I personally believe that (under normal circumstances) you don't "grow" a baby that's bigger than you're able to give birth to. Good luck and enjoy your little blessing! :-)

People always told me stuff like that with both of my boys! People thought I was due 2 months before my actual due date. I was quite slender to begin with so I think that's part of the reason but I gained about 40 lbs with each my boys. Every one always thought I was carrying twins. In any case, I had very smooth deliveries - both were born early. One was 3-1/2 weeks and the other 6 weeks. The first weighed around 6lbs 9ozs and the other was 5 lbs 4 ozs. And as I said very smooth deliveries. You will do great! The nurses make you feel very comfortable. Congratulations and just have fun with the excitement!!!!! Good luck ;)

Hi N.,

My first pregnancy I gained 25 lbs. and she was 8 lbs 9 oz. The second one I got comments from everyone about how "HUGE" I was (52 lbs gained), this time he was 10 lbs. 5 oz. I had nursing students in the room and one came up to me and said she has never seen so much water. My Dr. said that I did have an extreme amount of water and we shouldn't have gone full term with this one. Then came number 3, I gained about 35 lbs this time, no rude comments from anyone. When I delivered, he was 9 lbs 11 oz, so he was big even though my stomach wasn't. Number 4 was the same as no. 3 but she was 9 lbs. 2 oz. My quickest delivery was the 10 pounder I pushed 2 times and he was out!! Everyone is different, and so will each of your own. There will be horror stories that people will tell you and then some will say how easy it is, just have a mind set that you are about to bring a beautiful baby into this world who will love you as much as you love him!! Good Luck!!!

Congrats on your first...my youngest was born just 2 years ago - yeah July babies!!

I experienced the twins comments quite frequently - I started showing way early and was in maternity clothes before 3 months. My ultrasounds came back on both my kids as big babies and sure enough they both came out over 10 pounds.

But, I do believe your body grows babies the size your body can handle, so there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Good luck and just enjoy the amazing blessing you are about to meet!!!

Hi N.,

When I was pregnant with my daughter I had a huge belly. I was forever getting the "How many babies you got in there?" remarks. Well, my daughter was induced a week early and she was 8lb12oz, which is on the larger side. I had her vaginally and it was a tough delivery (I pushed for about 3 hours), but my doc really hates to do a "c" and I am glad he didn't. It seems such an easier recuperation for the mom when its vaginal. I did have an epidural though, and truthfully for myself I never could have done it without it and wouldn't want to try. I think the ultrasound can be accurate, but for me, all the women in my family on my moms side have big babies. I myself was 10lb4oz and my brother was over 9lbs. My mom's sisters all had 9-10lb babies and one even had an 11lb baby. So I feel your family history can play a role too. I wasn't surprised I was having a bigger baby. I think it is great that you want to try for a natural birth, the only thing I wanted to say is not to set your whole heart on going without the drugs. I understand wanting the experience of birth, but you can do that without being in excruciating pain too. I am just saying alot of women put so much energy into trying to plan the "perfect" birth and then feel let down or dissapointed when it doesn't go like that. Your body and baby have a plan of their own, and things will go as they are meant to. You can't control your birth experience 100% all the time. Going into it with an open mind and educated on the different procedures/medicines is the best thing you can do for yourself. Having a natural birth is wonderful, but there are no trophies at the end for moms who do it this way, and there is no shame for moms who don't. I encourage you to be informed, but not get so caught up in the single act of refusing pain medicine, that you can't even enjoy the actual birth. Sometimes if you are more comfortable, you can just relax and let things happen. Welcome to the world of motherhood, I hope your birth is everything you want it to be. Please don't take offense to my comments, I mean them in the best way.

I was HUGE at the end of my pregnancy. It is totally normal to be bigger than what people expect. We have this ideal now that we are supposed to be thin, even when we are pregnant. Not so! I did have a rather large baby (9lbs. 2oz.), but totally naturally. Wasn't bad at all. I highly recommend preparing yourself for a natural birth, and have an advocate at the hospital for you to tell them to get lost with the epidural offers. I had a doula through Mother Me over on Ravenswood. Had a GREAT birth experience and would do it again in a heartbeat! Even if you have a big baby you don't need the drugs. Good luck!

Hi N.,

My belly was really big when I had my daughter (my first child). She was 7lbs. 7oz. There were a lot of the same comments you are receiving. I just looked at them and smiled. Or I would really get into the story and say yep, I'm have twins or maybe triples just to see their reactions. They don't know me so, who cares and if they are going to ask such a question then they deserve such an answer I belive.

Enjoy your belly, there is something beautiful growing inside and who cares what anyone else thinks or says to you!!!

My son is a differnt story, he was a 10 lb child so my belly was even bigger then my first. Oh well... I enjoyed it and that is what matters!

Have a great week!

L.

When I was prego with my first everyone asked if I was having twins. I was also freaked out, because I'm not a very big girl (5'2" & 100 lbs). I gained 38 lbs in my pregnancy even though I ate really healthy, didn't eat any junk & walked 3 to 5 miles at least 4 days a week (very depressing). I ended up having a baby that was 6 lbs 12 oz. So, fear not, & don't stress about things you have no control over. It's also important not to be to rigid in your birth plan. The most important thing is to have a safe delivery & a healthy baby. If you trust your OB than that's the key element.

Hi there! When I was pregnant with my first, a girl, I was HUGE! One of my Dr.'s predicted her to be about 8-9 pounds. I was a little freaked. But when she was born, she was 7 1/2 pounds, and just the most petite thing ever. Now with my second, a boy, I did not get that big. I thought, and alot of people always commented on how small I was. Well he ended up weighing in at 9 pounds 9 ounces. So I guess no one can really predict what the baby will end up at. You will do great whatever size your baby is! It is so easy to freak out now, but when you are in the midst of everything, your adrenaline will be going, and you will be so excited and probably a bit nervous, that you won't really be thinking about the size of the baby. You'll just want him out! haha Good luck!!

It's all about how the baby is positioned and not necessarily it's size. I had a huge belly and a baby 6 lbs and a small belly and a baby 8 1/2 lbs. Both vaginal, both fine and healthy babies. Don't worry about the size of your baby and your delivery will go just fine. Congrats and look forward to holding your baby in your arms and stop worrying about getting the baby out, it will all be ok!

I had a big belly and delivered a 9lb 10oz baby boy before his due date via c-section due to complications during labor and delivery - good luck!