Super-size baby boom at North Lincolnshire NHS Trust

Hundreds of super-size babies were born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust last year, new figures reveal.
Hundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation TrustHundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Hundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

There were 4,180 babies born and weighed at the trust in the 12 months to March 2018, according to NHS Digital data.

Of these, 505, or 12%, tipped the scales at 4kg or more - the equivalent of 8lb 13oz.

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

Hundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation TrustHundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Hundreds of super-size babies born at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

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 maneuvering 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."

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

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

Barts Health NHS Trust in London had the smallest proportion, with just 7%.

Obese mothers are twice as likely to have a baby weighing at least 4kg, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

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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 Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust most commonly weighed between 3000g and 3499g (6lb 10oz - 7lb 11oz). More than a third fell into this category.