Health Tip: Why Are Some Babies Born Bigger?

(HealthDay News) — No two babies seem exactly the same size when born.
So what causes some babies to be born much larger than others?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says contributing factors include:

  • Having a pregnancy that lasts longer or shorter than the normal 40 weeks.
  • Overstimulated growth in the uterus during gestation.
  • Genetic differences.
  • The mother’s weight during pregnancy.
  • The ethnic background of the mother.
  • The number of previous pregnancies.
  • Alcohol use or substance abuse during pregnancy.
  • Health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure.