Factors That Contribute To High Birth Weight

  • Ayushi ViraMasters of Clinical Research , Clinical research, The University of Sheffield

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Introduction

Definition of high birth weight

Newborns weighing greater than four thousand grams (approximately 8 pounds and thirteen ounces) are considered to have an excessive birth weight. On the other hand, low birth weight newborn weight is much less than five kilos and eight ounces (2,500 grams).1

Importance of birth weight in infant health

Birth weight is an essential indicator of an infant’s growth and health because it can help determine the probability of death or disability among newborns; besides, various studies have shown that both extremes may lead to negative outcomes. For example, those children who are born heavy have higher chances of suffering from such complications as respiratory distress syndrome, birth trauma or even long-term health issues like childhood obesity. Proper prenatal care is needed to identify at-risk pregnancies and manage them accordingly. t. 

The purpose of exploring factors contributing to high birth weight

It is important to know what factors contribute towards high birth weight since this knowledge has many benefits. The first is doctors will be able to identify pregnancies that are likely to result in adverse events hence taking appropriate measures early enough so as to minimize risks. Additionally, investigating these determinants enhances our understanding of the health of babies during pregnancy thereby guiding public interventions. This is aimed at improving the well-being of mothers and their babies.

Ultimately research in this field seeks to improve the health of mothers and their babies by identifying the intricate interactions between maternal, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors.3,4

Maternal factors

Maternal weight and  body mass index(BMI)

  1. The mother's obesity's effect on birth weight: Maternal obesity is related to high birth weight and, therefore, the increased chances of problems during pregnancy or delivery. According to investigations, when a woman is overweight, the baby tends to develop the condition called macrosomia to metabolic disturbances and birth injury.5
  2. Maternal underweight and high birth weight

Genetic factors

Genetic influence on birth weight: The amount you weigh at birth is mostly controlled by the genes you acquire from your parents. If your parents are overweight, you are more likely to be heavier as well.11

Birth weight and inherited traits: Certain traits that run in families can cause babies to be larger at birth. It's similar to passing on characteristics like hair texture or eye colour, except, in this instance, the trait at hand is your birth weight.12

Ethnicity and race: Each ethnic group has a different average birth weight. Along with where they live and what they consume, their genetic composition also plays a role in this. There are genetic factors that influence a baby's birth weight and are more prevalent in particular ethnic groups.13

Environmental factors

Socioeconomic status

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Birth Weight: An individual's start weight is extensively inspired with the aid of their socioeconomic status, which encompasses factors like profits, schooling, and career.  born to moms from lower socioeconomic backgrounds normally weigh less than the ones born to mothers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.14

Lifestyle factors

Substance use

  1. Smoking's Effects on Birth Weight: Smoking during pregnancy has been strongly associated with unfavourable birth outcomes, such as low birth weight. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes restrict the foetus's blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients it receives and requires for healthy development18
  2. Effect of Alcohol Use on Foetal Development: Drinking alcohol while pregnant can have unfavourable effects on the improvement of the foetus. Foetal alcohol spectrum issues (FASDs) may also end result from it, displaying impairments in cognition, behaviour, and physical functioning. Alcohol can have an effect on a fetus's ability to expand typically and move the placenta, which could bring about low beginning weight and increase limitations18

Physical activity

  1. Maternal Exercise and Birth Weight: Physical pastime on a normal basis for the duration of pregnancy is typically wholesome and may assist acquire the proper delivery weight. Moderate exercise can decorate placental blood go with the flow and the cardiovascular health of the mother, both of which can advantage foetal increase. Nonetheless, it's far best to avoid excessive or strenuous exercise as it can have a bad effect on beginning weight19
  2. Recommendations for Safe Exercise While Expecting: It is recommended that pregnant women carry out mild-intensity cardio exercising for no less than a hundred and fifty minutes per week, dispensed during the week. In well-known, secure activities include swimming, on foot, and desk-bound biking. But before beginning or maintaining an exercise programme while pregnant, it's imperative to speak with a healthcare professional, particularly if there are underlying health concerns20

Medical factors

Diabetes

Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Foetal Growth: Macrosomia results from diabetes due to the increased transfer of glucose to the baby an excessive amount of glucose passes via the placenta, and the foetus produces more insulin, resulting in fat deposition and a faster increase in weight.21

It is essential to regulate blood glucose in pregnancy via food plan, exercise, and, if important, insulin therapy.  Regular blood glucose monitoring, a diabetic-friendly diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in mild physical exercise are all essential components of gestational diabetes control. If lifestyle adjustments are made and blood glucose tiers stay high, insulin therapy can be initiated.22

Conclusion

Various maternal factors associated with high birth weight include parity, age, height, pre-pregnancy weight and pregnancy weight. Weight gain during pregnancy, Diabetes, family income level, and previous history of macrosomia were also found to be significantly associated with high birth weight in previous studies.

FAQs

Q: What is a high birth weight?

A: Generally speaking, a baby is deemed to have high birth weight if their weight is greater than 4,000 grammes, or roughly 8 pounds, 13 ounces.

Q: Are there any aspects of lifestyle that have an impact on birth weight?

A: Indeed, birth weight can be impacted by specific lifestyle factors. For instance, smoking by the mother during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weights, but excessive weight gain by the mother during pregnancy can result in higher birth weights.

Q: Is a high birth weight usually a reason for alarm?

A: Not always. While a mother's or baby's high birth weight may occasionally be a sign of underlying health problems, many higher-weight babies are healthy and do not face complications. Healthcare professionals, however, might keep a closer eye on these infants in case of any complications, like shoulder dystocia during delivery or a higher chance of childhood obesity.

Q: Is it possible to control or manage birth weight?

A: Although some factors, like genetics, cannot be changed, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of maternal health conditions like diabetes, and getting the right prenatal care can all help to improve the outcome of birth weight. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional is crucial for tailored guidance throughout pregnancy.

References

  1. Birth weight. In: Wikipedia [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 May 1]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Birth_weight&oldid=1193821332
  2. Magnusson Å, Laivuori H, Loft A, Oldereid NB, Pinborg A, Petzold M, et al. The association between high birth weight and long-term outcomes—implications for assisted reproductive technologies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr [Internet]. 2021 Jun 23 [cited 2024 May 1];9:675775. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8260985/
  3. Khan MMA, Mustagir MG, Islam MR, Kaikobad MS, Khan HT. Exploring the association between adverse maternal circumstances and low birth weight in neonates: a nationwide population-based study in Bangladesh. BMJ Open [Internet]. 2020 Oct 1 [cited 2024 May 1];10(10):e036162. Available from: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/10/e036162
  4. Yilgwan CS, Utoo TB, Hyacinth HI. Maternal characteristics influencing birth weight and infant weight gain in the first 6 weeks post-partum: A cross-sectional study of a post-natal clinic population. Niger Med J [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2024 May 1];53(4):200–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3640239/
  5. AIMUKHAMETOVA G, UKYBASOVA T, HAMIDULLINA Z, ZHUBANYSHEVA K, HARUN-OR-RASHID MD, YOSHIDA Y, et al. The impact of maternal obesity on mother and neonatal health: study in a tertiary hospital of astana, kazakhstan. Nagoya J Med Sci [Internet]. 2012 Feb [cited 2024 May 1];74(1–2):83–92. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4831253/
  6. Khan MN, Rahman MM, Shariff AA, Rahman MM, Rahman MS, Rahman MA. Maternal undernutrition and excessive body weight and risk of birth and health outcomes. Archives of Public Health [Internet]. 2017 Feb 3 [cited 2024 May 1];75(1):12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-017-0181-0
  7. Lechtig A, Yarbrough C, Delgado H, Habicht J, Martorell R, Klein R. Influence of maternal nutrition on birth weight. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [Internet]. 1975 Nov [cited 2024 May 1];28(11):1223–33. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002916523338966
  8. Bonakdar SA, Dorosty Motlagh AR, Bagherniya M, Ranjbar G, Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara R, Mohajeri SAR, et al. Pre-pregnancy body mass index and maternal nutrition in relation to infant birth size. Clin Nutr Res [Internet]. 2019 Apr 18 [cited 2024 May 1];8(2):129–37. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494748/
  9. Gul R, Iqbal S, Anwar Z, Ahdi SG, Ali SH, Pirzada S. Pre-pregnancy maternal BMI as predictor of neonatal birth weight. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2020 Oct 28 [cited 2024 May 1];15(10):e0240748. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0240748
  10. Mannino A, Sarapis K, Moschonis G. The effect of maternal overweight and obesity pre-pregnancy and during childhood in the development of obesity in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Jan [cited 2024 May 1];14(23):5125. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/23/5125
  11. Fan C, Huang T, Cui F, Gao M, Song L, Wang S. Paternal factors to the offspring birth weight: the 829 birth cohort study. Int J Clin Exp Med [Internet]. 2015 Jul 15 [cited 2024 May 1];8(7):11370–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4565335/
  12. Beaumont RN, Warrington NM, Cavadino A, Tyrrell J, Nodzenski M, Horikoshi M, et al. Genome-wide association study of offspring birth weight in 86 577 women identifies five novel loci and highlights maternal genetic effects that are independent of fetal genetics. Human Molecular Genetics [Internet]. 2018 Feb 2 [cited 2024 May 1];27(4):742. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5886200/
  13. CORDIS | European Commission [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 1]. Genetics and their role in small and large birth weight. Available from: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/428736-genetics-and-their-role-in-small-and-large-birth-weight.
  14. Kim MK, Lee SM, Bae SH, Kim HJ, Lim NG, Yoon SJ, et al. Socioeconomic status can affect pregnancy outcomes and complications, even with a universal healthcare system. International Journal for Equity in Health [Internet]. 2018 Jan 5 [cited 2024 May 1];17(1):2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-017-0715-7
  15. Natsiou K, Karaoulanis SE, Dafopoulos K, Garas A, Bonotis K. The effect of socioeconomic factors on maternal perinatal depressive symptoms and the contribution of group prenatal support as a preventive measure. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle) [Internet]. 2023 Jan 24 [cited 2024 May 1];4(1):31–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9883668/
  16. Kinsella MT, Monk C. Impact of maternal stress, depression & anxiety on fetal neurobehavioral development. Clin Obstet Gynecol [Internet]. 2009 Sep [cited 2024 May 1];52(3):425–40. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710585/
  17. Voit FAC, Kajantie E, Lemola S, Räikkönen K, Wolke D, Schnitzlein DD. Maternal mental health and adverse birth outcomes. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2022 Aug 31 [cited 2024 May 1];17(8):e0272210. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0272210
  18. Wang N, Tikellis G, Sun C, Pezic A, Wang L, Wells JC, et al. The effect of maternal prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption on the placenta-to-birth weight ratio. Placenta [Internet]. 2014 Jul [cited 2024 May 1];35(7):437–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096564/
  19. Heslehurst N, Hayes L, Jones D, Newham J, Olajide J, McLeman L, et al. The effectiveness of smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, diet and physical activity interventions in changing behaviours during pregnancy: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Drehmer M, editor. PLoS ONE [Internet]. 2020 May 29 [cited 2024 May 1];15(5):e0232774. Available from: https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232774
  20. Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, Benjamin EJ, Chyou JY, Cronin EM, et al. 2023 acc/aha/accp/hrs guideline for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation: a report of the american college of cardiology/american heart association joint committee on clinical practice guidelines. Circulation [Internet]. 2024 Jan 2 [cited 2024 May 1];149(1). Available from: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
  21. Istrate-Ofiţeru AM, Berceanu C, Berceanu S, Busuioc CJ, Roşu GC, Diţescu D, et al. The influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (Gdm) and gestational hypertension (Gh) on placental morphological changes. Rom J Morphol Embryol [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2024 May 1];61(2):371–84. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7864320/
  22. Yang Y, Wu N. Gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia: correlation and influencing factors. Front Cardiovasc Med [Internet]. 2022 Feb 16 [cited 2024 May 1];9:831297. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8889031/
  23. Kek HP, Su YT, Tey SJ, Yang MC, Chang LC, Hung YH, et al. The joint effect of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension contribute to higher risk of diabetes mellitus after delivery: a nationwide population-based study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth [Internet]. 2023 Jul 26 [cited 2024 May 1];23(1):539. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05829-6

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Ayushi Vira

Masters of Clinical Research , Clinical research, The University of Sheffield

Ayushi Vira is a clinical research professional with a strong pharmaceutical background, holding a degree from the University of Mumbai and an MSc in Clinical Research from the University of Sheffield. Her expertise spans drug safety analysis, data management, and patient recruitment, bolstered by certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Pharmacovigilance.

As a medical writer for Klarity and a researcher at the University of Sheffield, Ayushi has led discussion groups, published critical research findings, and conducted clinical trials. She excels in creating digital health content, data visualization, and enhancing patient recruitment strategies.

Fluent in several languages, Ayushi is dedicated to advancing the pharmaceutical industry through innovative research and effective patient engagement.Her dedication to these areas fulfils her passion to provide medical information that promotes global health.

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