Big babies make beautiful, chubby and adorable munchkins—the ones you just can’t resist holding and looking at. In medical terms, it is a condition known by the term macrosomia—why it happens in certain pregnancies is a mystery that remains unresolved.
Babies who weigh more than 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth are considered big. Your doctor cannot determine whether you will have a big baby until they are born. However, they do look for signs that suggest you might have a big baby.
Possibilities Of Having A Big Baby
Pre-Existing And Pregnancy Diabetes: Moms who have diabetes or develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to have big babies.1
Long Gestation Period: A longer gestation period that usually passes the due date can also result in macrosomia in babies.
Maternal Weight: Mothers who are obese are likely to give birth to a baby weighing 4kilograms or more.2
Previous Had Big Baby: If the mother has delivered a baby previously who weighed more than 4 kilograms, she is likely to give birth to a big baby in subsequent pregnancies.3
Risks Involved In Delivering A Big Baby
Although having a baby is one of the best experiences in the world, there are more risks associated with the delivery of a big baby that aren’t very pleasant either. The risks are comparatively more as compared to birthing an averagely weighing baby normally. In order to take necessary precautions, you must know about them.
1. Although vaginal birth is possible in case of macrosomia, there might arise the need to deliver the baby using vaginal instruments.
2. Risks of obstructed labor or shoulder dystocia(where the shoulders of the baby cannot move out of the vagina) are higher, which may increase the need for an emergency c-section.
3. Perineal tear is likely to occur with the birth of a big baby.4
4. The risk of excess blood loss or hemorrhage also become a cause of concern.5
Points To Consider
Based on various causes, your doctor might prepare you for having a big baby. For instance, pregnancy diabetes will involve monitoring you and your baby till birth.
1. An ultrasound scan isn’t the surest way to determine if it is a big baby—one can only find out after the birth.
2. Even if there are risk factors into play, you can still have a baby with normal birth weight.
3. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes or obesity, you and your baby’s health will be constantly monitored. Your doctor might advise you to gain pregnancy weight in a controlled way.
4. It is possible to give birth vaginally when carrying a big baby—talk to your doctor or midwife if you wish to deliver normally, provided there aren’t any serious health complications associated with it.
Babies come in all shapes and sizes—big babies are no different. A mother’s body can do wonders thanks to the pregnancy hormones, though it is equally important you treat it the best way.
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