The typical weight of a newborn baby ranges from 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Babies who weigh over 4 kilograms at birth are considered to have a larger weight, a condition known as macrosomia.

Learn what factors can lead to a baby being born with a weight exceeding 4 kilograms.

What is Macrosomia?

Macrosomia refers to a condition in which the fetus grows larger than average. A fetus is classified as macrosomia if its birth weight is more than 4 kilograms.

This condition can heighten the risk of complications for the mother during childbirth and may also impact the baby’s health after birth. The risks for the mother include:

• Perineal tears
• Heavy bleeding
• Uterine rupture
• Prolonged labor

Moreover, the baby can face complications such as:

• Irregular heart rate
• Obesity
• Abnormal blood sugar levels
• Health issues in adulthood, including diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders

Causes And Risk Factors for Macrosomia

Determining the exact cause of macrosomia can be challenging. However, experts have identified several causes and risk factors that can lead to macrosomia in the fetus.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is one cause of macrosomia. This condition occurs when a pregnant woman’s blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy.

When gestational diabetes occurs, excess glucose passes through the placenta, leading to increased insulin production in the baby. Insulin serves as a growth factor, causing the baby to grow larger than usual.

Maternal Obesity

Obesity in mothers, whether before or during pregnancy, can increase the risk of delivering a baby with macrosomia. This condition is linked to insulin resistance, which elevates blood sugar levels in the mother, producing effects similar to gestational diabetes.

Postterm Pregnancy

A pregnancy lasting beyond 42 weeks, known as postterm pregnancy, increases the risk of macrosomia. During this extended period, the fetus continues to grow and gain weight, resulting in a higher likelihood of macrosomia. Babies born postterm tend to weigh more due to this prolonged growth in the womb.

History of Macrosomia

A history of delivering a large baby can increase the likelihood of having another baby with macrosomia in future pregnancies. Genetic factors influencing parental height and body size can also affect the baby’s weight and size.

Maternal Age

Women over 35 years old face a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with macrosomia. This is associated with the increased prevalence of gestational diabetes and obesity in older mothers.

Number of Previous Deliveries

Women who have given birth multiple times are more likely to have babies with a higher birth weight in subsequent deliveries. This occurs because the uterus’s capacity increases, allowing for the growth of a larger baby.

Excessive Nutrition

Consuming too many calories and following unhealthy eating patterns during pregnancy can significantly raise the weight of both the mother and fetus. This is particularly true if the mother favors foods and drinks high in sugar or fat during pregnancy.

Properly managing maternal health during pregnancy and attending routine prenatal check-ups can help reduce the risk of macrosomia in the fetus. Doctors may also detect signs of abnormal fetal growth and suggest suitable preventive measures.

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