All the women I've read about delivering these super-ultra-plus-size babies (let's say that's 16 pounds and up) have had diabetes or gestational diabetes... which leads me to have serious questions about their prenatal healthcare.
But I know that not all big babies are the result of chemical imbalances. My firstborn, Charlotte, was 9 pounds, 9 ounces -- and was big even without any diabetes (gestational or otherwise).
As if to prove that a healthy mom could indeed produce a large newborn, a year later, my sister welcomed her own ultra baby, Kate, who arrived weighing an ounce more. After two more contenders over the next few years -- my 9 pound McKenna and her 9 pound, 6 ounce Emily -- I upped the ante.
Kieran arrived in 1999 after a veryveryfast, unmedicated birth. I'd been a huge preggo mama, so expected a 10-pounder this time around. That boy shocked us all by popping out with a 15" round head, and weighing 11 pounds, 7.5 ounces. Still no gestational diabetes or other health issues. I just make 'em big.
When you consider the fact that the human body can make gorgeous little people from base elements like burritos and bananas, it only follows that (assuming we're healthy) our own bodies are made to deliver those babies, too.
It's a shame that so many women are made to worry that we won't be able to give birth without some sort of medical intervention. I feel very lucky to have had pregnancy caregivers who helped me stay healthy and believed in my body's ability to get the job done. And -- every day -- I have four fabulous reminders of that fact, too.
What do you think? Have you birthed a big baby -- or worried that you might? Tell us below!
More about labor, delivery, birth & newborns:
Birthing big babies: Labor and delivery facts
Birth stories: Big babies
How big was the biggest baby ever born?
What are some natural ways to induce labor?
How accurate are fetal weight estimates?
