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With so much uncertainty as your due date approaches, it’s important to have regular pre-natal risks so your physician can assess any risk factors. For some women, there are certain factors that may put their baby at risk for macrosoma, or being an unusually big baby. Increased birth weight can cause some complications for both baby and mother, so it’s a good idea to know the risk factors. The average birth weight of a healthy baby is 7 pounds, 8 ounces. In order for a baby to be considered big, he would have to weigh more than 9 pounds 15 ounces. There’s really no way to be certain if your child is, in fact, macrosomic until the post-delivery weigh-in. There are many things that are believed to increase your baby’s chances of being a big baby. Genetics and unmanaged blood sugar levels due to gestational diabetes are the leading causes. Other factors may include ethnicity (with Hispanic women being at higher risk), obesity, gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy, going past your due date, or already having had a large baby. During the delivery, there can be a few complications if you have a big baby. There will likely be increased perineal tearing and blood loss. It’s also possible for the mother to damage her tailbone during delivery. The likelihood of having to have a Cesarean section is increased in macrosomic deliveries, as is the chance of having to induce labor early. There is really no way to be sure if your baby’s weight will be normal until after he is delivered. The most crucial part of ensuring your baby is happy and healthy is regular pre-natal check-ups. Follow your doctor’s advice throughout your pregnancy and delivery and you will have the best chance of having a healthy baby. Even if you do have a big baby, there’s no reason he can’t be happy and healthy. Learn more about big baby at our baby health care website.
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