What causes big babies
14 Jul 2011

What causes big babies?

1 mins to read
Naturopath Stephanie Hamilton discusses the link between gestational diabetes and birth weight.


The story of the ‘giant baby’ JaMichael Brown has been covered by every type of media over the last few days – unfortunately for the recovering mother.

The Texas baby weighed in at birth a massive 16 pounds, 1 ounce – double the weight of an average newborn – and has had millions of people amazed by what seems like a freak event.

During her pregnancy, JaMichael’s mother was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a condition that causes macrosomia or above average birth weight of the newborn.

Between 3-8% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes and this is usually discovered around 24 weeks when routine blood glucose testing is performed.

While JaMichael may not be born with diabetes, he does have an increased risk of obesity and type-2 diabetes later in life.

Certain women are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. High risk groups include:

  • Women over 30 years of age
  • Women with a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Women who are overweight or obese
  • Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders
  • Women of particular ethnic groups including Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Polynesian and Melanesian women
  • Women who had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Maintaining healthy glucose metabolism in pregnancy is important in reducing your risk of gestational diabetes. These tips may help:

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and adequate levels of protein.
  • Avoid refined sugars and grains. Instead focus on wholemeal options.
  • Avoid junk foods, soft drinks and saturated fats.
  • Engage in regular physical activity.
  • Discuss your risks of gestational diabetes with your doctor and have your blood glucose levels checked.

Have you or has anyone you know ever had gestational diabetes or a baby with an above average birth weight?



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