WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Is My Baby at a Healthy Weight?

Is My Baby at a Healthy Weight?
Oh, you've made it to the final month!
Your nesting instincts are in full swing, and you're probably wondering if your little one is at a healthy weight for their upcoming debut.
Lucky for you, we've got the 411 on what you need to know to decipher those prenatal checkups and scans.
  • Percentiles: Your doctor will often refer to percentiles to gauge your baby's weight. If your baby is in the 50th percentile, it means they're right in the middle, with 50% of babies weighing less and 50% weighing more.
  • Ultrasonography: This is the main tool used to estimate fetal weight. Remember, it's an estimate, not a guarantee!
  • Variability: It's completely normal for babies to vary in size. Genetics, your health, and other factors can make a difference.
No Womb for Error: How Accurate Are Ultrasound Measurements?
At this point, you've probably had multiple ultrasounds to check on your tiny dancer's growth and development.
But how reliable are these scans when it comes to weight? Spoiler: they're not foolproof, but they give a pretty good ballpark figure!
  • Standard Error: Most ultrasound estimates can be off by 8% in either direction. So, a baby estimated to weigh 7 pounds might actually weigh between 6.4 and 7.6 pounds.
  • Technique Matters: The sonographer's skill can impact the accuracy. Skilled sonographers tend to be more accurate, so it helps to be at a reputable medical facility.
  • Late-Term Variability: In the final weeks, babies gain about 0.5 pounds per week. But some may pack on the pounds quicker than others, leading to variability even if a previous ultrasound was spot-on.
The Scales of Justice: What Factors Influence Your Baby's Weight?
If you're worrying about your baby's weight, know you're not alone—it's a common concern for many moms-to-be! Various factors can influence how much your baby weighs at birth, and understanding them can put your mind at ease.
  • Genetics: If both parents were big babies or small babies, chances are the apple won't fall far from the tree.
  • Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium can support healthy fetal weight gain.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Factors such as smoking, alcohol, and extreme levels of exercise can impact fetal weight. For a healthy pregnancy, best to keep these in check!
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like gestational diabetes or hypertension can also influence your baby's weight. Consistent prenatal care can help manage these conditions.
Let's Be Real: When Should You Be Concerned?
So, when is baby weight actually a cause for concern? Most of the time, slight variations are perfectly normal. However, there are instances when you should seek immediate medical attention.
  • IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction): If your baby is in the less than 10th percentile for weight, it could be a sign of IUGR. This condition can lead to complications and warrants close monitoring.
  • Macrosomia: On the flip side, a baby weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces might have macrosomia, which can lead to complications during delivery.
  • Consistent Anomalies: If your baby's weight estimations are consistently off, or if there's a sudden jump or drop, these could be red flags requiring additional testing or monitoring.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you and ensure both you and your baby are as healthy as possible. Keep the dialogue open, and don't hesitate to share any concerns.
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Jessica
7 Jan 2024

So in 2023 my weight went from 157 pounds while 7 months pregnant, to 97 pounds while sick and breastfeeding to 102 lbs after breastfeeding for almost a year and having literal skin flaps where my boobs used to be and I started working out and drinking protein shakes. So I guess this is my healthy weight at 5'5? Lol I'm just vibing out with my weight atp

3 comments
❣️𝒦𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒶 & 𝓚𝓪𝓶𝓲❣️
Almost there I believe 😊
27 Mar 2024

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Xena
114 is the best place to be, but I personally am aiming for 130
27 Mar 2024

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Natalie
4 Nov 2023

I’m 10 weeks today and baby is healthy but I’ve lost weight. My starting weight was105 but down to 92. I’ve had horrible mourning sickness that last most of day. I force myself to eat. Does anyone have the same problem

3 comments
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Estefany
Yup I’ve lost 10 pounds since finding out I’m pregnant I’m also about 10 weeks . I only eat bc I know I have to other wise I wouldn’t . Right now I’m currently crying bc my morning sickness is worse than usual lol
27 Mar 2024

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Natalie
Hopefully the mourning sickness stops in a few weeks since the 2nd trimester will be starting?
27 Mar 2024

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Vanessa
28 Apr 2023

Hi Moms. Had my anatomy scan today at 18 weeks and three days. Have to come back because they didn’t pick up all of my Baby’s brain, lips and feet clearly, even though my Doctor said my Baby has a healthy weight. The Doctor also told me I have Placenta Previa and my heart sank a bit. Anyone else with Placenta Previa? #Placentaprevia

2 comments
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Tanaya
You have your baby September 27 2023, that’s my due date
27 Mar 2024

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Vanessa
September club 🙏🏼❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Gloria
27 Mar 2023

Has anyone belly grown but their weight has stayed the same? Thats how it been for me I haven't gained any weight and I'm at 25 weeks but the baby is at a healthy weight <3

8 comments
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Nae
I’m 27 weeks & I’ve only gained 4lbs.
27 Mar 2024

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Gloria
wow! I'm glad I'm not alone. I'm kinda glad I'm already overweight so I don't want to be at risk for diabetes or preclamcia
27 Mar 2024

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Crystal
13 Dec 2022

Had ultrasound today 😍❤️ but my baby weight 5 pounds 9 ounce I just want a healthy baby!🙏💝🍼 I'm due January 6

3 comments
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Blocked user
5lbs9oz is healthy as long as baby is over 4lbs...still plenty of times for weight to increase plus sometimes ultrasounds can be off when it comes to weight
27 Mar 2024

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Crystal
thank you so much
27 Mar 2024

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Yoyo
1 Dec 2022

Is it just me or? I don’t look at the scale at the doctors when they weigh me. I don’t give a shit as long as I’m healthy and baby is healthy. I don’t wanna be hard on my body or my mental health. I’ll deal with losing weight and exercising once baby is out ! Right now it’s about bonding ❤️🫶🏻🌱🌱

23 comments
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Danielle 🦦🪷
I watch it cuz my MFM has told me to be extra careful with my weight just for her to shame me that I haven’t really gained much anyways
27 Mar 2024

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Yoyo
It’s okay as long as you know you’re eating good fruits and veggies and balancing your cravings with good stuff !
27 Mar 2024

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Mariah
29 Oct 2022

Pray my baby boy is healthy 💙 they said my baby is a bit small he is weighing 5 pounds 7 ounces at 37 weeks I love you son please be healthy see you November 19th 😭💙💙💙😭🤞

4 comments
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🌼Angel🌼
He should gain a few more ounces by then…my kids were 6lbs even perfectly fine
27 Mar 2024

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Amber
That’s exactly what they told me I’m almost 37wks my son 5lbs. I’m due Nov22nd
27 Mar 2024

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Tiffany
19 Jul 2022

I had my baby at 35wks she's as healthy as can be but had a low birth weight...but has been putting on weight since! At first she slept all day and night, now she is super alert and stares at me as if I let her out to early lol it was the doctor's not me lol

2 comments
k
kay
Congratulations glad everything good
27 Mar 2024

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Tiffany
thank you
27 Mar 2024

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mymy
7 Jul 2022

Had an ultrasound today and baby boy is looking good and healthy and is at the proper weight but the doctor did say something about a dilated loop in my sons bowel can anyone explain this more to me or have experienced also I’m gaining weight good as well I’m 121 I’ve never been this weight my whole life haha 😂 it with any of their children?

3 comments
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mymy
Also baby is already head down!
27 Mar 2024

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mymy
Just now reading my post the last part was suppose to go after experience 😭 I was trying to say have anyone experienced this when any one of their children, a dilated loop in the bell
27 Mar 2024

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Jalina✨
10 Dec 2021

I’m 6 months and don’t feel like I’m showing at all but they say my baby is at his correct weight. I guess thats a good hing I was expecting to have a big belly. As long as my baby is healthy thats fine with me lol

2 comments

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