OverviewThe term "fetal macrosomia" is used to describe a newborn who's much larger than average. Show A baby who is diagnosed as having fetal macrosomia weighs more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams), regardless of his or her gestational age. About 9% of babies worldwide weigh more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces. Risks associated with fetal macrosomia increase greatly when birth weight is more than 9 pounds, 15 ounces (4,500 grams). Fetal macrosomia may complicate vaginal delivery and can put the baby at risk of injury during birth. Fetal macrosomia also puts the baby at increased risk of health problems after birth. SymptomsFetal macrosomia can be difficult to detect and diagnose during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms include:
CausesGenetic factors and maternal conditions such as obesity or diabetes can cause fetal macrosomia. Rarely, a baby might have a medical condition that makes him or her grow faster and larger. Sometimes it's unknown what causes a baby to be larger than average. Risk factorsMany factors might increase the risk of fetal macrosomia — some you can control, but others you can't. For example:
Fetal macrosomia is more likely to be a result of maternal diabetes, obesity or weight gain during pregnancy than other causes. If these risk factors aren't present and fetal macrosomia is suspected, it's possible that your baby might have a rare medical condition that affects fetal growth. If a rare medical condition is suspected, your health care provider might recommend prenatal diagnostic tests and perhaps a visit with a genetic counselor, depending on the test results. ComplicationsFetal macrosomia poses health risks for you and your baby — both during pregnancy and after childbirth. Maternal risksPossible maternal complications of fetal macrosomia might include:
Newborn and childhood risksPossible complications of fetal macrosomia for your baby might include:
Further research is needed to determine whether these effects might increase the risk of adult diabetes, obesity and heart disease. PreventionYou might not be able to prevent fetal macrosomia, but you can promote a healthy pregnancy. Research shows that exercising during pregnancy and eating a low-glycemic diet can reduce the risk of macrosomia. For example:
What does it mean when your baby is growing to fast in the womb?Genetic factors and maternal conditions such as obesity or diabetes can cause fetal macrosomia. Rarely, a baby might have a medical condition that makes him or her grow faster and larger. Sometimes it's unknown what causes a baby to be larger than average.
Is it possible for a baby to grow too fast?Gigantism is a very rare condition. It causes children to grow faster than normal and grow very tall. There is treatment for gigantism. Some affected children may still have symptoms after treatment.
Why is my baby getting so big so fast?What could be causing baby's rapid weight gain? Most likely, your child's weight gain is part of his or her normal growth. Your doctor should be keeping tabs on and monitoring baby's growth to determine whether he or she is adding on the ounces at a healthy level.
How can I stop my unborn baby getting too big?Can you avoid having a large baby?. giving up smoking (if you currently smoke). eating a balanced, healthy diet.. maintaining your weight or, if overweight, losing weight before conception if possible.. if you have diabetes, trying to manage it properly.. avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.. |