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Macrosomia is when a baby weighs more than 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth. Learn how it happens, what complications it can cause, and how to prevent or manage it.
- What is considered a ‘big baby’? Picking an absolute cut-off is tricky. Typically, we consider estimated weights of babies that weigh more than 4500 grams (10 lbs.)
- Ultrasound is not very reliable for estimating fetal weight near term. For a 9-pound baby, an ultrasound’s predictive accuracy is typically 15 to 20 percent off.
- Who is really at risk for having a big baby? Certain health and history factors put mothers at increased risk for having a large baby: Diabetes, including gestational diabetes, is a concern, especially if the mom’s sugar levels have not been controlled well during pregnancy.
- What are the concerns about having a large baby? We have to consider the possible risks to two patients – both mother and infant. The most serious risk of fetal macrosomia is birth trauma for the baby, especially something called a shoulder dystocia, where after the baby’s head is delivered the rest of his or her body does not deliver easily.
- Your bump measures larger than average. One way to estimate fetal size is based on your belly measurement, specifically from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus (called fundal height).
- You have extra amniotic fluid. If a health care provider says your amniotic fluid levels are higher than usual, this could also be a sign that you're having a big baby.
- Your ultrasound predicts a large baby. Ultrasounds are better indicators of fetal size, but they're not always accurate. In fact, according to a 2018 systematic review, ultrasounds tend to overestimate how big babies are.
- You have had a large baby before. In general, people tend to deliver heavier babies with each pregnancy. And while it's not a hard-and-fast rule, if you have had one or more large babies in the past, you're up to 10 times more likely to have a big baby again in the future.
Aug 18, 2023 · Fetal macrosomia is when a baby is bigger than average for their gestational age. Learn about the risk factors, symptoms, and delivery challenges of having a big baby, and how to prevent or manage it.
- Karen Miles
Learn about the causes, risks and outcomes of having a large baby, also known as fetal macrosomia or large for gestational age. Find out how to monitor your baby's health and what to expect during and after birth.
Learn how to measure your baby bump, what causes big babies and how it may affect your birth plan. Find out how to reduce the risk of having a big baby and how to care for your baby after birth.
