If your baby weighs 4.5kg or more at birth, they are considered larger than normal. This is also known as 'fetal macrosomia' and large for gestational age (LGA). (If they weigh less than 2.5kg, they may be considered smaller than normal.) Show
How is a baby's size measured?During routine antenatal check-ups, your doctor or midwife may estimate the growth and size of your baby by measuring the 'fundal height'. That is the measurement from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. An ultrasound can also give health professionals an idea of how big your baby is likely to be, but it's not very accurate. Your doctor may also check the level of amniotic fluid. Excessive amniotic fluid, which surrounds the baby in the womb, can indicate the baby is larger than average, since larger babies can produce more urine. However, there's no way of reliably measuring your baby's weight until after they are born. In many cases, women who are told they're going to have a large baby actually give birth to a baby within the normal range. Why is my baby big?A baby may be large at birth due to genetic factors, the mother's health or, in rare cases, a medical condition that causes the fetus to grow too quickly. Several factors can contribute to large birth weight. For example:
In some cases, larger-than-normal birth weight doesn't have a clear cause and can't be explained. Giving birth to a large babyMost large babies who weigh more than 4.5kg do not have a difficult birth. But there are still some risks associated with having a big baby. Labour may take longer and be more likely to involve complications. There's an increased risk of having a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery or a caesarean, and of birth injury to the mother or baby. There is a link between fetal macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs during a vaginal birth when the baby's head has been born, but one of the shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone. The baby's shoulders need to be released quickly so the baby's body can also be born, and they can start breathing. Shoulder dystocia can happen during any birth. At least half of all babies who experience shoulder dystocia at birth weigh less than 4kg. Large babies can be born via a normal, vaginal delivery — but it's best to give birth where you can access specialist medical services, just in case things don't go according to plan. Every pregnancy and birth is unique, so talk to your doctor or midwife about the best place for you to give birth. After the birth of a large babySince many large babies are born to mothers with diabetes, some babies will need help regulating their blood sugar after they're born. Later in life, the risk of childhood obesity or being overweight may increase and the baby may develop other problems with their metabolism. A larger than average baby may need help breathing following the birth, so they may be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN). There is also an increased risk of jaundice (yellowing of the skin) among large babies. Regardless of their size at birth, a baby's weight is always monitored closely after they are born to make sure they are healthy and growing properly. But their weight isn't the only thing that's important. How well they are feeding and the number of wet nappies and poos they produce daily can also indicate that your baby is doing well. Can you avoid having a large baby?Often there's nothing you can do to avoid having a large or small baby. But looking after yourself during pregnancy is important for all women. You should consider: Where to seek helpAlways talk to your doctor, obstetrician or midwife first if you are concerned about your pregnancy, your own health or the health of your baby. If you are worried about your baby's growth — or how fetal macrosomia might affect you as a mum — call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse. Intrauterine growth restriction, or IUGR, is when a baby in the womb (a fetus) does not grow as expected. The baby is not as big as would be expected for the stage of the mother's pregnancy. This timing is known as an unborn baby's "gestational age." The two types of IUGR are:
What Causes IUGR?Often, IUGR happens because the fetus doesn't get enough nutrients and nourishment. This can happen if there is a problem with:
Intrauterine growth restriction also can happen if a pregnant woman: How Is IUGR Diagnosed?Before babies are born, doctors check their growth by measuring the mother's belly from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. This is called the uterine fundal height. They also can do a prenatal ultrasound, which is how IUGR often is diagnosed. A technician coats the woman's belly with a gel and then moves a probe (wand-like instrument) over it. High-frequency sound waves create pictures of the baby on a computer screen. These pictures help doctors estimate the baby's size and weight. These estimates aren't exact, but they do help health care providers track the baby's growth and see if there's a problem. Ultrasounds also can help find other issues, such as problems with the placenta or a low level of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the fetus). Doctors will also use ultrasounds to check the blood flow to the placenta and through the umbilical cord. If they think a baby has IUGR, doctors also might do such tests as:
How Is IUGR Treated?Treatment for intrauterine growth restriction depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how the baby is doing. Doctors will watch a baby with IUGR closely during prenatal visits. They'll do ultrasounds, keep track of growth, and watch for other problems. If the baby's mother has a condition, doctors will help her manage it. This might include making sure she eats a healthy and nutritious diet and gains the right amount of weight during her pregnancy. Some women might go on bed rest to try to improve blood flow to the baby. Sometimes, doctors will recommend inducing labor and delivery early. They might do this if the baby seems to have stopped growing, or if there's a problem with the placenta or the blood flow in the umbilical cord. A woman might have a cesarean section (C-section) if the stress of a vaginal delivery is considered too risky for the baby. What Problems Can Happen?Babies with IUGR are more at risk for some kinds of health problems. Those born early or who are very small at birth are more likely to need to stay in the hospital for a longer time. They also might need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit (the NICU). Other problems that can be related to intrauterine growth restriction include:
The long-term effects of IUGR on a baby may depend on the condition that caused the problem. What Can I Do if My Baby Has IUGR?If your baby might have IUGR, follow your doctor's advice and go to all prenatal visits and testing appointments. This helps your doctor see how your baby is developing and growing. What happens when a fetus grows too fast?Big babies are also at risk of dangerous blood sugar lows and breathing difficulties after delivery, said Artal. Some studies have also linked high birth weight to longer-term problems: Big babies may be at higher risk of obesity and diabetes later on, according to Smith's team.
How can I stop my unborn baby getting too big?Can you avoid having a large baby?. giving up smoking (if you currently smoke). eating a balanced, healthy diet.. maintaining your weight or, if overweight, losing weight before conception if possible.. if you have diabetes, trying to manage it properly.. avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.. What does it mean if baby is measuring big?Babies are called large for gestational age if they weigh more than expected for their gestational age (weeks of pregnancy) at birth. Diabetes is the most common cause of babies who are large for gestational age. If a baby is too large to fit through the birth canal easily, delivery can be difficult.
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What causes a fetus to grow too fast?
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