Your baby is constantly growing and developing throughout your pregnancy. This chart will give you a general idea of how big your baby is at different stages during your pregnancy. It is for information purposes only. Your midwife will provide the most accurate measurement of your baby at your antenatal appointments.

There are two ways to measure the size of your baby:

• Measuring the size of your bump is known as measuring the fundal height. Your midwife will measure from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus to ensure your baby's growth is on track for your stage of pregnancy.
• Your baby's size can also be measured when you go for an ultrasound scan, such as your 12-week dating scan or a growth scan if your midwife thinks it's necessary.  

Pregnancy is a delicate balance of growth and development, and ensuring that a baby is growing at a healthy rate is crucial. Some babies are born small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA), each presenting unique risks and challenges. Understanding these risks and taking measures to prevent them can help promote a healthy pregnancy and birth.

A baby is considered SGA if their weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. This can be due to genetics, placental insufficiency, maternal health conditions, or lifestyle factors.

Potential risks:

• Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after birth
• Higher chance of breathing difficulties
• Greater susceptibility to infections and temperature instability
• Long-term risks of developmental delays or growth issues

How to reduce these risks:

• Maintain a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drug use, as they can restrict fetal growth.
• Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes with medical supervision.
• Attend regular antenatal appointments to monitor fetal growth and address concerns early.

An LGA baby weighs above the 90th percentile for their gestational age, and this is usually due to genetics, maternal diabetes, gestational diabetes, or excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

Potential risks:

• Higher risk of birth complications, including shoulder dystocia.
• Increased likelihood of requiring a C-section.
• Hypoglycemia after birth, particularly in babies of mothers with gestational diabetes.
• Greater chance of childhood obesity and metabolic disorders later in life.

How to reduce these risks:

• Monitor blood sugar levels closely, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy weight during your pregnancy
• Exercise regularly with activities like walking or pregnancy yoga.
• Follow a balanced diet, limiting excessive sugar and refined carbs.

Both small and large for gestational age babies come with potential health concerns, yet with proper antenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices, many of these risks can be minimised. Always work closely with your maternity team to track fetal development and make the necessary adjustments for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. New Life Classes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.