Big baby? Things only mums who gave birth to a larger than average baby will understand
If you gave birth to a big baby you will get this…
Macrosomia is a term to describe babies who are significantly larger than average i.e. those born weighing more than 8 pounds and 13 ounces (4kg). Most macrosomic babies are born perfectly healthy without complication
Today’s babies are being born big and it’s not that uncommon for babies to find themselves in the 98th percentile with the rate of Macrosomia soaring in recent years. When faced with the possibility that you might have a large baby these behaviours and feelings are quite common.
1. Showing almost immediately
Mums who’ve given birth to big babies often remember early on in their pregnancy a rather noticeable bump way before the books tell you you’re likely to start showing. And when you do announce your pregnancy you find that people had already guessed.
2. ‘Are you having just the one?’
A quip you might often have gotten used to every time you have an appointment and people realise you’re not as far gone as they think you look.
3. Home births/birthing centre not an option
The discussion about considering a home birth or giving birth in a birthing centre can be disappointing as concerns about baby's size and risk of shoulder displacia means these options are less likely to be recommended.
4. Hoping for a membrane sweep
As your due date comes and goes, you're wondering when you'll be offered a membrane sweep to get the labour going and thinking surely baby is grown enough now?!
5. The labour
If you have given birth to a large baby, the giving birth part was certainly no walk in the park. Almost 2 out of every 3 large babies (weighing over 9lb 15oz) are born vaginally but it can be tough going and assisted delivery is required for 1 in 5 vaginal births for bigger babies.
6. The ‘look’ when baby’s weight is announced
As the midwife whisks your baby away to be weighed, that intake of breath you take waiting to hear and the wide-eyed amazement on everyone in the room’s face as the 9lbs + weight is officially announced.
7. Repeating their birth weight
You then go through it again repeating baby's weight to family and friends. Yep, baby really is that big and be prepared to repeat your baby’s birth weight more than you’d ever imaged over the coming weeks, months – and years!