Is 8 lbs 8 oz really a big baby?

Question

I already have a 13 month old. I went to the DR today to get checked out before we try to have another baby. It's a totally new doctor and she looked at my paper work and said that I really had a big baby for my size. I'm 5'6 and weigh between 135-140 average. Is 8 lbs 8 oz really a big baby? I had no issues in my pregnancy and was active the whole while and had no trouble pushing him out! Me and my sister were both 8 lbs 10 oz when we were born.

Answer 1

All three of mine were 8 + pounds. I am 5'4 and weigh 120. That is all I've ever known, but the nurses and doctors were just amazed at how big they were. I think if you are active and have a good pregnancy with no trouble delivering then you should have nothing to worry about.

Answer 2

My sisters were both 9 lbs 15 oz when they were born and perfectly normal. My adopted son was 9 lbs 1 oz. My sisters 3 kids were 8 lbs 1 oz, 8 lbs 8 oz and 8 lbs 2 oz. I don't think 8 lbs 8 oz is really big, I saw a baby story the other day, the baby boy was 11 lbs 8 oz, now that is big! My cousin was 11 lbs 16 oz. Babies vary in size, don't worry about it unless they come out walking and talking, lol, congratulations!

Answer 3

It's average. I was 7 lbs 11 oz. but all my friends have had babies in the past year and they have all been between 7 and 8 1/2 lbs. Its not a big baby...its a healthy baby

Answer 4

My son was 8 pounds around 38 weeks and my dr. was still planning on me delivering vaginally... But I ended up having a c-section because of complications. When all was said and done, the baby was 8 pounds 7 ounces and my dr. said there was no way I could have delivered vaginally, anyways. Are you a small woman? It could be that your hips are just not wide enough. That was why I couldn't. I know you hear so many horror stories about c-sections, but they really aren't that bad. After 23 hours of labor (i was induced and never progressed) I was thankful for it. I thought I healed relatively quickly and my scar is very small now that it has healed.

Answer 5

It is above average size (which is 7 lbs) so some Dr's consider it to be a big baby if 8 lbs and above. My second son was 8 lbs 9.7 oz and he was born 4 wks early. My uncle was born weighing 10 lbs. So while yes 8 lbs is bigger than average as long as you didn't have any problems delivering your baby that is all that matters.

Answer 6

Not really, no. My daughter was born weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz. and my son (who was a 6 week preemie!) weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. at birth. It's all just a matter of genetics. My mom says I was 8 lbs. 2 oz. at birth. We're just predisposed for bigger babies the same way that some women are predisposed for smaller babies.

Answer 7

the baby will be fine. i have a friend who was born 9lbs 4 oz and shes now only 95 pounds (all muscle) I dont think thats big at all. today at school we had to see the average birth weight in my class and it was 8.1oz (based on 23 people(including teacher). I however, was 5 lbs 11 oz. but hey i was a twin. altogether- 11 pounds



btw, my brother and i are not short -

im 5'8 hes 5'11.

Answer 8

The average sized baby is 7lbs 6 oz but I don't think that your baby was too big at 8lbs 8 oz. I work in pediatrics and have seen much bigger babies. Besides, birth size isn't an indication that you've done something wrong or that your baby is unhealthy! Sounds like it runs in the family besides.



Good luck with your next!

Missy

Answer 9

Not huge or anything, but a big baby for someone of your size. I'm about an inch and a half taller than you, same weight, and my babies were 7-lbs 15-oz. and 6-lbs 6.5-oz. Mine were considered normal-sized. At least you didn't have to worry your son was too small!

Answer 10

My understanding is that the average size is supposed to be something around 7 lbs. So, yes 8 lbs 8 oz is bigger than that.

Answer 11

I was 5'4 135 then gained 30 lbs. My daughter was over 8lbs. the hardest thing for me was pushing for almost 3 hours. the MD suggested a caesarian but said let's try for a bit longer. and she was born healthy and wonderful. I did tear and they stitched me. So I suppose she was big for my size. I think a lot is genetics and if you were close to 9lbs. it would make sense. then again I was 7lbs 5 when born, but her dad was big. bottom line is there is no danger for future pregnancies. If the baby is too big they'll just do a ceasarian.

Answer 12

Please, please, please find a new doctor ASAP. That doctor is mistrustful of pregnancy and not using evidence based practices.



8.5lbs is the 75th percentile. Not every baby can be 50th percentile. And really they only start to get worried around 85-90th percentile usually.



Also generally babies are close to the size of their parents at birth, according to many doctors. I wasn't surprised my son was 8lbs 2oz. I was 8lbs 6oz and my husband was more than 9lbs. BTW I'm only 5'2". The OB in the hospital and the intern both had no concerns with the size of my son, neither does my midwife (my first was a homebirth transfer).



This doctor is bad news.



Edited add here is the CDC growth chart (for girls):

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set1clinical/cj41l018.pdf

And the WHO:

http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/cht_wfa_girls_p_0_6.pdf



And to those that say 6-8lbs is normal. Studies show that babies weighing less than 6.5lbs are more at risk for anemia.



http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/iron.html

In addition, there is evidence that babies whose birth weights are less than 3000 grams - about 6.5 pounds - (whether term or premature) tend to have reduced iron stores at birth and appear to need additional iron earlier.

Answer 13

It's normal. The normal range is 5 lbs 8 oz-10lbs, with 7- 8.5lbs being the average.

Answer 14

Yeah it's a bit bigger than average but not by too much, I'd be more worried if the baby was under weight and as long as there were no complications such as diabetes etc, I wouldn't worry. Docs always comment. My daughter was nearly 8lb(2 oz off!) and I was told she wasn't very big........not what I was thinking during labour lol

Answer 15

No that's not bad, under 9 is ok. Most prefer babies to be around 6 - 8 pounds, over 8 is starting to get big, but really 8-8 isn't that bad.

Answer 16

I had a 9 + lb - no problem pushing here... and I only needed 3 stitches too!



Dr.'s are only giving estimates - they really can not determine the size of the baby until after it arrives.

Answer 17

Yeah, that is normal. I was 8 lbs 6 oz when I was born. I think the doctor is just trying to erk you.

Answer 18

That's a fair size baby, but not really too big. A lot bigger than all mine... mine were between 5 and 7 lbs...



But my cousin was a 10 lbs baby and she broke her collar bone coming out...



I wouldn't be worried. Think of it as your baby is more sturdy when he/she came out...

Answer 19

Average is 7lbs 8 oz., So he's about a lb. more than average. It's really not that big butI wouldn't want to deliver him that I know. My children were 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 6lbs. and 11oz. God bless and good health to you and your growing family.

Answer 20

it sounds big to me b/c i was 5 lbs. 4 oz. and my little sister was 6 lbs. 10 oz. and my little brother was like 7 lbs. buy according to some people above me it is not big, so i'm not sure. i don't think it really matters tho.

Answer 21

I don't think so. My daughter was 8 lbs when she was born, and all my brothers were over 8 lbs as well. My mom said she didn't think my brothers were very big at all. They were really long, actually.

Answer 22

It's not a BIG baby. I've heard of babies being born 10 pounds and more. 8.8 pounds is maybe somewhat above average, but certainly not THAT much. It's definitely nothing to worry about. You and your sister turned out fine.



You should have answered her with "WHY would you say THAT?"

Answer 23

average is 7lb. but no i don't think your baby was huge. a little big but that's it. my doctor said it is best to keep the baby in the 7lb range. for an easier labor. not sure whether or not i agree but i don't want a huge baby either so i guess i'll just follow what he says the baby will be what ever size he want's to be in the end.

Answer 24

That actually is a big baby. Very healthy if I may add. Most babies are born between 6-8 pounds. To be that weight is very good.

Answer 25

I had mine 2.5 weeks early and she was 7lbs 1oz so mine would have been that size if she would have waited.



I heard that your first born is usually the same size as you were when you were born. Seems to be true.



I don't think that is a huge baby.

Answer 26

i think she must have said that because alot of babies are being induced before the due dates or just being premature...also alot more multiple births are happening which the babies will be smaller....when i was pregnant with my daughter they were saying that she will probally be 9lbs at birth but she came 5 weeks early at 6lbs 9.5oz so if i would have went full term then she would have been that size or so...i would worry what she said as long as you have a happy heallthy baby

Answer 27

No because i was 9lbs 14oz and my sister was 9lbs 7oz so the baby could definitely be bigger I even know some people who were well over 10lbs when they were born so by no means is your baby big

Answer 28

My son was 8lbs 11oz and I am 5'2". I was under the impression that was a little above average from my dr. But nothing out of the ordinary.

Answer 29

8lb 8ozs is a good healthy size for a newborn.Think of those 11 or 12 lb babies born naturally.Dont complain with 8.8.

Answer 30

That is a nice size baby!

My baby was 8lbs 3oz. so I think your baby was in the large normal range. Now if you get a ten pounder--there is no question, you have got a big baby!

Answer 31

OMG! That is a TINY BABY! When my duaghter was born she was 7 bls 4 oz. and when she was 13 m she was like 11 bls 5 oz.

Answer 32

I don't think it's too big.

I'm 5'5 about 125 pounds, and my baby was 9'6 (which is a bit big for my size... I had to have a c-section)

Answer 33

Your lil' guy was 2 1/2 lbs bigger than than mine. LOL



Glad to hear you had no problems, good luck with your next lil' bundle of joy!

Answer 34

My brother was 11 pounds. Sort of like squeezing a turkey out, lol.

Answer 35

i was 10 pounds 4 ounces

Answer 36

thst was mysons age and mom is 5 foot and im 5 9

Answer 37

These days, no. Babies seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

My friend had her baby last year...11 pounds. I'm not even joking. Ouch!

Answer 38

My son was 11 lbs now that's BIG!!!

Answer 39

That's a little big but not off the charts!

Answer 40

Both my babies were 8lbs, I think its totally normal! Its a good healthy baby!

Answer 41

Believe your doctor!

8 pounds is no feather-weight, even though I have known heavier babies.

Answer 42

well my mom had a 9 lber but she wasn't that short but i kne a woman that had a 15 lber and she wasn't over 5'8"

Answer 43

I don't think so.

I'm 5'7" about 130. My kids were 8lbs 4oz and 9lbs 5oz.

Answer 44

its like average! i was 10lbs 5oz and ma mum said i was absolutely huge

Answer 45

Not at all one of my brothers was 9lbs 10oz.

Answer 46

you had a healthy baby which is fine

Answer 47

its a fair size bub!! the normal is around 7 Ibs

Answer 48

My son was 10.1 when he was born...so I don't think 8.8lbs is small.

Answer 49

no its not really big

Answer 50

I was 9lbs... I"'m 5'2'' now! XD

Answer 51

That's a bruiser, yes...

Answer 52

its not big, and ur size has nothing to do with wat size ur baby should be.

Answer 53

ochiwawa lol !!!!!