Hundreds of babies born with macrosomia born in East Sussex

There were 2,935 babies born and weighed at the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in the 12 months to March 2018, according to NHS Digital data.

| Also in the new – RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: Top 20 birds in East Sussex in pictures |

Of these, 345, or 12 per cent, tipped the scales at 4kg or more – the equivalent of 8lb 13oz.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says this is the benchmark for a baby to be considered large – the medical term for which is macrosomia.

Unusually large babies can cause difficulties during labour and delivery, according to the RCM.

“This could include a higher risk of shoulder dystocia, when the shoulders get stuck and impacted by the woman’s pelvis, which can require some manoeuvring to help the baby out,” said RCM professional policy advisor, Clare Livingstone.

“There is a risk of injury with these deliveries, but it is a very small risk.”

Women with significantly large babies are also more likely to need a caesarian section.

Almost 60,000 babies born across England during the same period weighed in at 4kg or over – 11 per cent of the total.

The highest proportion of big babies were born at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in North Yorkshire, where 16 per cent of babies weighed at least 4kg.

Barts Health NHS Trust in London had the smallest proportion, with just seven per cent.

Obese mothers – those with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over – are twice as likely to have a baby weighing at least 4kg, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

Patrick O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and RCOG spokesman, said: “There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of a baby being born larger than average.

“These include a woman with a history of having large babies, going past her due date, being overweight or obese before or during pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

“Women are encouraged to eat healthily and exercise before conception and during pregnancy.”

Babies born at the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust most commonly weighed between 3,000g and 3,499g (6lb 10oz and 7lb 11oz).

More than a third of babies fell into this category.

• Report by Harriet Clugston, data reporter

---

Hundreds with vitamin D deficiency admitted to hospital at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust