11 Truths About Big Babies (and Their Mamas)

The following is written in a real mom’s own words. This is an outlet for parents who would like to share their stories, in the hope that others will connect and find support. If you have a story you’d like to share, please message us on Facebook or email us at bianca@momof11kids.com.

My first born was a whopping 10 lbs., 2 oz. The doctors say it’s in the DNA; my husband was almost 9 lbs., and I was just under 10 at birth.

Babies weighing more than 8 lbs., 13 oz. at delivery are considered “macrosomic” or “large for gestational age.”

I fully appreciate that a 10 lb. honey ham of a baby is shocking! But be a little tactful with the woman who is growing him or her. If you think it’s shocking, imagine carrying – and then delivering – that big ol’ bundle of love.

Here are 11 truths you should know about big babies (and their mamas):

1. Mom is not necessarily diabetic (gestational diabetes, or otherwise). There is a correlation in some cases, but certainly not all.
2. Mom isn’t necessarily overweight. Big mom, big baby, right? Wrong. They don’t always go hand in hand.
3. Mom didn’t necessarily overindulge during pregnancy. You can feast like a king and have a small baby, or follow a modest diet and have a large one.
4. Surprise! Mom’s belly gets really, really big during pregnancy. Comment if you must, but I’m gonna go ahead and bet she’s fully aware of it, every second.
5. She’s uncomfortable. She’s got a giant human in her belly. It puts a strain on everything. Be patient with her.
6. Mom is probably scared. Of what this baby is doing to their body, and how delivery will go.
7. Speaking of… delivering a big baby increases the chances of tearing, blood loss, damage to mom’s tailbone, and shoulder dystocia (where the shoulder gets caught behind the pubic bone and the baby becomes stuck).
8. But the family still has options. Expecting a big baby doesn’t mean you’re automatically going under the knife. It’s a mother’s choice, and she’ll work with the advice of her caregivers to make the right one for her and her baby.
9. If Mom had a C-section, they didn’t take the “easy way out.” Ain’t nothing easy about major abdominal surgery!
10. Mom and baby will be fine. There have been 14-15 lb.+ babies who have lived to tell the tale. Modern medicine is wonderful. They’re in good hands. And baby won’t grow up to be giant; things even out shortly after birth.
11. Baby still seems small to the mom and dad! Especially if it’s their first-born. So they’re not quite clear on why you’re gawking.

-Kate
(Mom of 1, with 1 more on the way)

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