4 Questions About Your Baby’s Birth Weight

Towards the end of their pregnancy, mothers-to-be tend to raise questions about their baby's weight and what that may signify during delivery. Although the actual weight cannot be determined until after the delivery, doctors try to accurately predict the estimated baby's weight through ultrasound to formulate the best course of action during the birth.

To better prepare soon-to-be-mothers during delivery, this article tackles some of the pressing questions parents may ask during their gynaecologist visit regarding their baby’s weight.

What is the normal baby weight for Singaporean babies?

In Singapore, 90% of the babies are delivered between 37 and 40 weeks of pregnancy and weigh anywhere from 2.5 kg to 4.5 kg.

On average, the baby’s weight should be at 3.2 kg during the 40th week of pregnancy to be within the normal weight range. From this average, around 10% weigh about 3.6 kg, and 3% go beyond the 4 kg mark. Any weight above 4 kg is considered a big baby, leading to discomfort and other complications.

What factors do doctors consider to determine a big baby?

During routine visits to gynaecology clinics, the doctor can determine the size of your baby through an antenatal check-up. In this procedure, the doctor can estimate the baby’s growth by taking the measurement from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone, also known as the fundal height. Ideally, the size in centimetres of this measurement should equal the number of weeks in pregnancy, with two centimetres allowance. Anything over that is considered a big baby.

Moreover, the doctor can determine the size of your baby by examining the amniotic fluid found in your womb. Larger babies tend to produce more urine. Hence the more fluid that's present inside, the bigger the size of your baby.

Taking these steps is important for doctors to adjust the birth plan accordingly.

Why do mothers have big babies?

Certain factors make some mothers more prone to having big babies than others. These include:

• Diabetes

  If the mother has gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, the glucose level in the body will increase, which can cross the placenta and into the baby’s system. As a result, the foetus will absorb the glucose and transform it into energy. The excess sugar will be converted into fat, thereby increasing the size and weight of the baby.

• Maternal Obesity

  Obesity during pregnancy can give rise to several health complications, including hypertension, diabetes, and the delivery of large babies, permanently impacting the baby's health as they grow older.

• Previous Delivery

  Mothers who have had previous experiences with delivering large babies can expect to deliver similarly big babies during their current and future pregnancies. This is because the trend is for babies to increase in size, not decrease during successive pregnancies. As such, the mother’s delivery history is taken into account.

• Genetics

  Another factor that doctors consider is the genetic makeup of both parents. If either the mother or father has a relatively large bone structure, it might affect the baby's size during the delivery.

Can you deliver naturally if you have a big baby?

If you're expected to have a large baby during delivery, it is possible to deliver naturally. However, there are certain considerations that doctors make to avoid complications.

To determine if delivering naturally remains a safe and viable option for you, your doctors need to check your pelvis size in relation to the baby’s size.

During a vaginal exam, the doctor will evaluate the narrowness of your pelvis to see if the baby can fit. Additionally, they consider the baby’s exact position within the birth canal. By looking at the baby’s head’s direction, they can distinguish whether the baby can successfully descend through the birth canal safely or not.

With these considerations, the doctors will share their insights, and it's up to you to choose the best delivery method. If you still opt for a natural birth, risks may still be involved, such as longer labour time and dystocia.

Conclusion

Understanding the implications and risks of having a big baby in Singapore can help you make better decisions during your pregnancy. Moreover, it can help prepare you for what to expect before and during delivery. For these reasons, be sure to visit recommended gynae in Singapore to take all the necessary tests and consult with your doctor so that you can proceed with your pregnancy as smoothly as possible.