There are a few strategies that women have identified as helping them deal with their predicted 'large baby', or slow progress in labour to achieve the optimal outcome for themselves and their baby.
These can include:
Ignoring the comments and predictions
Being mobile and upright
Heat packs and water
Using medical pain relief
Using visualisations, affirmations and natural therapies
Using augmentation
Considering a VBAC
Ignoring the comments and predictions. If your caregiver is genuinely concerned about the size of your baby, then you will need to seriously consider their advice, or seek a second opinion if you are not convinced.
In the absence of this, ignoring the odd passing comment may need to be exercised. Unfortunately many caregivers will share (what they feel) are harmless thoughts, ones that can inadvertently affect the woman's approach to her birth. Remarks such as "This baby is a decent size!" or "I think you've got a 9 to 10 pounder on board" may be mentioned out of habit or as a way of showing how well they can 'predict' a baby's size.
The other source of concern can be friends, relatives and acquaintances making judgements about the 'size' of your belly. Even though we know their expertise in the matter can be quite dubious, it can still be quite disconcerting if you are hearing these comments quite frequently. You may wish to read
pregnant belly, shape and size.
Being mobile and upright. When in labour, trying to be as upright and mobile as possible (without overtiring yourself), drink plenty of fluids and avoid medications for pain relief unless absolutely essential. These factors can help keep the contractions strong, flex the baby's head into position and facilitate the baby's journey down the birth canal.
Heat packs and water.