Above Average Baby

Updated on February 12, 2008
C.W. asks from San Francisco, CA
7 answers

I'm currently 27 weeks pregnant with my second child. My doctor said that my baby is well above average in size however I haven't gained a ridiculous amount of weight this time around. I would say that my weight gain has been average. What can I do so that my baby isn't so big that I will have trouble with a natural birth? My provider didn't give me any tips and at the time I didn't say anything b/c I didn't think it was that big of a deal. However, the more I think about it, the more I'm becoming concerned.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi C. -
I understand your worry, but don't panic! Several things come to mind: First of all, estimates of baby's weight are often off, sometimes by as much as 2 lbs., so don't put too much stock in what your OB/GYN's estimate. Second, were you checked for gestational diabetes? I know that it can lead to large babies and that the recommendation is to avoid carbs of you test positive or even borderline . . . and Third, talk to your doc again and ask whether he/she is worried (if so, you could be referred for a more thorough sonogram where they take a series of specific measurements and calculate weight), or perhaps any suggestions regarding diet or whatever to prevent an excessively large baby.

Best wishes!
H. (mom of three, 5 1/2, 3 1/2 and 1 1/2)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from San Francisco on

HI. I've been a midwife for alot of years, and it is pretty common for doctors to scare women into thinking they are going to have huge babies. You can't under-eat yourself into a smaller baby, the baby is going to be the size it is going to be, and to have a healthy pregnancy and a baby that can handle labor well, you need to eat enough calories and protein. You can cut out extra non-nutritive calories, like tons of potatoe chips or sugary snacks or heavily sweetened or deep-fried foods. What we usually recommend to a woman who had an extra big baby the first time and seems destined to have a bigger baby the second time, is to try not to go post-dates (beyond 40 weeks). This is not something you have total control over, but you can try at about 38 weeks, having lots of sex, homeopathy, acupuncture, any other remedies you research that you feel comfortable with to assure your body is ready to go whenever your baby is ready. For a second baby, you probably won't go post-dates anyway. Do lots of walking and squatting to get your baby nice and low for when it's all ready to happen. Drinking raspberry leaf tea is a good uterine tonic during pregnancy. If the baby is growing beyond the expected size, it's important to rule out that the baby is really farther along than you thought, or that you have gestational diabetes, that would keep the baby's blood saturated in higher than normal sugar, and contribute to excessive growth. Ruling those out are pretty standard. Sonograms are notoriously inaccurate in predicting a baby's weight. When it's your second baby and you still have a pretty clear memory of what it felt like to push out your first, it's pretty natural to think, I don't want a bigger one - but the second one does come out easier, even when it's a little bigger, and it's not uncommon for second babies to be 1/2 pound to a pound bigger and come out fine. Trust your baby and your body. Enjoy your pregnancy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.G.

answers from Fort Collins on

C.,
A) don't worry about not being able to delivery naturally. Your body will accommodate to the baby's size. Have faith in your body's ability to do what's right for your baby. You'll do great!

B) Mothers who exercise throughout their pregnancies until the absolute end are more likely to have children with lower body fat percentages, which may, in the end, make a difference in your baby's weight. Also, women who exercise may have their babies slightly earlier (which means slightly smaller)than women who don't exercise. Simple walking can make a huge difference!

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi. I would really recommend getting in touch with a midwife - there are so many around the bay area. Also, remember that you know your body better than anyone.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from San Francisco on

While it has been 48 years since I had an 8 lb 16 oz baby (when it certainly wasn't kosher to have one that size), I can tell you she was my first and the natural childbirth was a breeze; add to that,the baby started sleeping all night at 6 days. She was healthy and happy and made my life a lot easier (even if she did look three months old when she was born compared to the other babies in the nursery). I wouldn't sweat it a bit. My other child was 7 lb 14 oz and not nearly as easy a birth or to take care of. Give me that extra pound any day! I should say that all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren were over 8 lbs and they all were healthy as could be and were easy home childbirths.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree very much the previous responses to your question. I just wanted to add that making sure to have a doula present at the birth is vital to helping it be as natural as possible. Good luck.

J. Stevens, L.Ac.
www.yourwholefamilywellness.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Just about the only thing you can do is to exercise and walk, so that you encourage baby to come as 'on-time' as possible, and to cut out sugar.

Docs diagnose pregnant woman as 'being too small to birth their baby' aaaaaaall the time. It's a wonder, how did God F up so badly that he makes us have babies that are too big for our pelvises!?! Oh, I know, He didn't! Generally and the vast majority of the time, we do not make babies that we can't birth.

My baby girl was 10 lbs, 13 oz. with a 16 inch head! And I got through it without pain meds and birthed her vaginally.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches