Help, I’m told I’m having a big baby!

You’ve just had your third scan and “Help!” – the doctor tells you you’re expecting a big baby… Don’t panic! You’re neither the first nor the last. Here’s what to expect:

What is a big baby?

It’s a baby born at term weighing more than 4kg. This is the case for around 10% of babies. The medical name for it is foetal macrosomia.

Why am I expecting such a sturdy baby?

Your baby’s build may first of all be explained by heredity: you or your partner were on the chubby side at birth. But it can also be explained by medical reasons: gestational diabetes (which can be detected by a blood sugar test), a later-life pregnancy, a multiple pregnancy, maternal obesity, or if you go past your due date.

Is my doctor's estimate really reliable?

According to an American scientific study, estimates of your baby’s weight and size remain very approximate. Indeed, among the women surveyed, doctors told almost a third of them that they were expecting a big baby. In reality, only 9.9% of them actually gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4kg.

Why such a gap? To get an idea of your baby's weight at birth, the doctor makes an estimate at the end of pregnancy using ultrasound. But this method is not 100% reliable: the margin of error ranges between 15 and 20%.

So even if you're told to expect a chubby baby, don't be surprised if they turn out to be smaller than expected…

Big baby = danger?

Rest assured, expecting a nice plump baby carries no particular risk during pregnancy. Only mums with gestational diabetes need more regular medical monitoring to rule out any danger.

And what about the birth?

In the vast majority of cases, it is perfectly possible to give birth vaginally to a baby weighing more than 4kg. The birth generally goes just as well as with a smaller baby. And giving birth to a big baby doesn't mean a more painful delivery.

However, some difficulties can arise during labour. But don't worry: on the big day, your medical team is ready to act if needed. Your doctor may then decide to perform a caesarean to avoid any risk of your baby's collarbone being fractured during the birth.

Also, if there is a family history, your doctor may schedule a caesarean in advance to avoid any risk of complications.

So rest assured: whatever happens, you will bring your little one into the world in the best possible conditions, whatever their weight or size!

So what size clothes should I take to the maternity hospital for my baby?

If your doctor tells you you’re expecting a big baby, bear in mind that there are about 2 chances in 3 that your baby will in fact be born a normal size.
We therefore recommend taking mostly 3-month size clothes (suitable for babies over 4kg), but also, just in case, a few 1-month size clothes (suitable for babies from 3.3kg to 4kg).

As for quantities to take to the maternity hospital, you could for example pack 3 bodysuits/sleepsuits in 1-month size and 5 bodysuits/sleepsuits in 3-month size (if your baby is too small for them, they'll have plenty of time to wear them later).

Premiers Moments offers clothes specially designed for newborns, made from organic cotton (to protect nature and your baby’s delicate skin), in sizes 1 and 3 months. Perfect for your little one on the way! To discover our soft collection in pastel colours, this way!

Discover Premiers Moments clothing!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.