Newborns come in all different shapes and sizes. Full-term babies, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks, normally weigh between 6 lbs., 2 oz. and 9 lbs., 2 oz. According to website Kids Health, it is normal for a newborn to drop a few ounces after birth. A healthy newborn may lose 7 to 10 percent of their birth weight but should regain that weight after two weeks. Being small or large at birth does not necessarily mean your baby will be small or large later in life. By the time your babies are adults, they tend to resemble their parents in size.
Factors Affecting Birth Weight
The length of the pregnancy is an important factor affecting your baby's birth weight. Babies born at their due date or after, tend to be heavier than those babies born earlier. Premature babies are often smaller than full-term babies.
Tall parents may have larger babies and smaller parents may have smaller babies. Multiple births usually result in smaller babies due to a smaller growing space, and often multiple births are born prior to the mother's due date. First babies are often smaller than their brothers or sisters. Although the difference is usually very slight, girls tend to weigh less than boys at birth.
Cause of Low Birth Weight Babies
Mothers with high blood pressure, heart problems, use of alcohol, illegal drugs or cigarettes normally have babies with lower than normal birth weight. High blood pressure reduces your baby's oxygen and nutrient supply, slowing your baby's growth. Poor diet during pregnancy may result in a lower than normal birth weight.
Cause of High Birth Weight Babies
Mothers with diabetes usually have babies with higher than normal birth weight. Babies born much larger than the average may have medical problems for a few days after birth and thereafter. According to Kids Health, these babies may have trouble keeping blood sugar levels normal and may need extra feedings or even intravenous glucose for a few days after birth.
Premature Baby Birth Weight
The weight of a premature baby is largely determined by how early the baby was born. Many pre-term babies are classified as low birth weight babies. Low birth weight means a baby weighing less than 5 lbs., 8 oz. at birth. According to Kids Health, 1 in every 13 babies in the United States are classified as low birth weight. Very low birth weight means a baby weighs less than 3 lbs., 5 oz. Most babies with low or very low birth weight are born premature.
Considerations
During pregnancy it is important for you to avoid alcohol, cigarette and drug use. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program during pregnancy is also important for a healthy baby. You should consult your doctor to make sure you are taking the appropriate steps to help your baby obtain the nutrients he needs to grow in the womb.
