Hey all you wonderfully inspiring BB women...

I had a scan on friday to see how big bubs is... and although I know that scans are not that accurate, its still freaking me out a bit. They said bubs is around the 8lb11oz mark at this stage. I know in my head that people birth extremely sucessfully babies bigger, but given that DD was only 7lb7oz, I am little put off.

I am looking at a stretch and sweep this wednesday to try and kick start everything, I will be 39+2 and possible induction on the sunday 39+6 if nothing has happened...

I am scared of tearing mostly I think, as I only had 2 internal stitches with DD and I bounced back within hours of her birth, I guess I am in the mind frame that I don't know what to expect. I have given the hosp a copy of my birth preferences which state that I want the perenium to have time to stretch naturally, and only an episiotomy if baby or I are at risk. I have also asked that when I ask for drugs, mainly epi that they dont give it to me and rather suggest positions and stratigies to help cope. I do know in my head that I want to start with the gas then panadine forte for pain relief if I need it, but I really want to avoid and epidural. I hope that this is making sense I feel like I am rambling... I think that as I am worried about the size of baby that I might demand an epidural and regret it later... I need to change these thoughts in my head, but how?

What worked for you and how did you get through it?