I have received some LARGE babies during deliveries, but never a whooping 8.6kg!!....that is almost the weight of an 8month old!

What is Macrosomia?

Macrosomia means "large body" and is used to describe a newborn who's much larger than average. (The average newborn weighs about 7 pounds.) 

Babies with macrosomia weigh more than 4kg (8 lb.13 oz.) at birth. 

Macrosomic babies are more likely to have a difficult delivery. But the risk of complications is significantly greater when a baby is born weighing more than 4.5kg (9 lb.15 oz.).

How can you tell if you are going to have a Macrosomic baby?

It's difficult to tell how big your baby is while she's still in the womb, but your Doctor may suspect macrosomia if you're measuring large for your gestational dates.

 In this case, you may have an Ultrasound to estimate your baby's size, but it's not likely to be very accurate, especially late in pregnancy.

What causes macrosomia? 

Genetics- some women are just genetically predisposed to have larger babies, and birth weight also tends to increase with each successive pregnancy.

Previous Large baby- If you previously delivered a macrosomic baby, you're five to 10 times more likely to have another large baby.

Obesity- if you have a high pre pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), chances are you could have a big baby.

Uncontrolled Diabetes / Gestational Diabetes- risk is also present if you have unmanaged high blood sugar levels from diabetes or pregnancy induced diabetes (Gestational Diabetes)

Excessive gestational weight gain- if you gain an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy.

Post maturity- if you go more than two weeks past your due date (EDD)

Gender- male babies often weigh more than female babies and hence are more likely to be macrosomic.

How does a big baby affect delivery?

Difficult vaginal delivery- you may also have an increased risk of perineal tearing, blood loss, or damage to your tailbone.

Caesarian section- A large baby also means you're more likely to have a cesarean. To prevent problems associated with difficult vaginal delivery.

Can macrosomia cause problems for my baby?

Shoulder dystocia- this is when the baby’s shoulder gets caught behind your pubic bone, causing the baby to get stuck in the birth canal during delivery. This situation is a medical emergency!

Nerve Damage- a more serious complication of shoulder dystocia is nerve damage to the arm on the side where the shoulder was trapped.

Fractures- In rare cases, your baby could end up with a broken collarbone or upper arm bone.

Poor glucose control- a macrosomic baby is likely to have problems with glucose control at birth.

Early detection of possible risk factors is key in having a safe delivery and healthy baby.

The most important thing to do is ensure you register for Ante natal care the moment you confirm you are pregnant or go do a pregnancy test after your first missed period!

Although these macosomic babies look like 'mini adults'......please don't skip Breastmilk and start them on solids!, "Newborns" is what they are!

In love & health

Dr. Mims