HOLDING my newborn in my arms, my jaw dropped as the midwife told me his weight.
‘Congratulations!’ she said. ‘You’ve just had one of the biggest ever born at the hospital – 12lb 15.5oz.’
Mum Greer pictured with son Zac, who now towers over his friends
Zac was born weighing almost 13lb, making him one of the top five biggest babies ever born at the hospital
Greer with her first son Zeke, who weighed in at 9lb 15oz, when Zac was just two weeks
Although I’d known from scans and pre-natal measurements that I was having a bigger than average baby, nothing prepared me for the fact I’d delivered almost a stone of newborn.
I had my first son Zeke in 2019, and he weighed in at 9lb 15oz – more than 2lb heavier than the UK average for boys.
It was a difficult and traumatic birth, as I laboured for three days and Zeke was delivered by forceps. So when I found out in early 2021 I was pregnant, I felt nervous about giving birth again.
It was at my 20-week scan that measurements revealed I was having another whopper, although they couldn’t predict what his would be.
Even though I was reassured that he was and in proportion, it was hard not to feel anxious about the and labour.
By 25 weeks, my bump was so big, people assumed I was almost at my due date and were stunned when I’d reveal I still had almost four months to go.
I lost count of the times I was asked by strangers, ‘Are you having twins?’ I found it difficult having my pregnant body scrutinised by people I didn’t even know – it felt intrusive and hammered home just how unusually big my bump was.
As my pregnancy progressed, I suffered terrible lower-back pain and I could only upright in a special supportive armchair, as it was impossible to get comfortable in bed.
I also suffered from swelling in my legs, and it was exhausting running around after a toddler when my bump felt so heavy.
I had extra scans and blood tests to monitor the baby’s size, which was both reassuring but anxiety-inducing.
Supersized newborn
I couldn’t help feeling envious of other mums-to-be who’d been able to enjoy their pregnancy without the worry I’d had about having a supersized newborn – and how he was going to exit.
I knew I was being treated differently from other mothers because of the added risks – like shoulder dystocia (where the baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone), tearing and haemorrhaging.
As my due date approached, I wrote my birth plan, which was simple and flexible. I wanted an epidural and my husband, who is a nurse, would help advocate for me.
I hadn’t been offered a and was happy to attempt a vaginal delivery, but if I needed to have surgery during the delivery, I was OK with that.
I knew births don’t always go to plan, and I just wanted me and the baby to come through the delivery safely.
The whole family pictured together at Christmas, as the mum reveals Zac’s birth ended up being very straightforward
Greer showing off her bump six weeks before birth
A week before my due date, I was advised to have an induction. Doctors felt the baby was now so big – although nobody ever gave me an estimated weight – that waiting any longer just increased the risks.
I was told a consultant would be in the delivery room, in case the baby got stuck or an emergency arose.
To my surprise, the birth ended up being very straightforward. I had an and Zac came so quickly, the consultant didn’t even make it into the room.
He is often mistaken for the same age as his older brother. He’s predicted to reach 6ft 10in as an adult
The relief I felt was indescribable. I could tell from holding him he was heavier than his brother, but was in too much of a euphoric bubble to think about his weight.
Due to his size, I did suffer a deep tear and was wheeled into , with Zac still in my arms, so the doctors could stitch me up shortly after his delivery.
It wasn’t until we were back on the ward that I learned his weight was just shy of 13lb. I was shocked that he was in the top five biggest babies ever born at the hospital, but felt proud of myself and thankful it had all gone so well.
Zac has recently turned four and has continued to be a ‘big boy’, towering over his nursery friends.
He’s in age five-to-six clothes, and is often mistaken for the same age as his older brother. He’s predicted to reach 6ft 10in as an adult.
After all the anxiety of my pregnancy, I look at Zac and feel so happy I was able to deliver him safely.
- Follow Greer @Theunfinishedidea .
