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A mother gave birth to her daughter. That's not news. But you know what is? A mother who gave birth to a 14.5-pound and 22-inch-long baby girl via C-section this week! The little girl is the second biggest born at Massachusetts General Hospital ... and the biggest born in the past decade.
This was Caroline Ruscak's second pregnancy (her first daughter weighed 10.5 pounds), but even she was shocked when she heard the final numbers.
"I heard the weight and I was like, 'Oh my God,'" she said. "It validated me because I was in a lot of pain when I was pregnant, so to hear the size, it made sense."
No kidding! The baby's father, Bryan Rusack, said that the size definitely runs in the family, so kudos to mama for her hard work! Especially because it seems like no one expected baby Carisa's weight to be as high -- least of all Mom!
Most pregnant women have ultrasound measurements estimated in the weeks prior to birth. But there's one very important factor to remember: they're just estimates. They can be right on the money, a few ounces off, or can fluctuate a couple pounds in either direction. Most often, the baby's official birth weight is within 10 percent of the last estimated weight, but it can vary even more.
However, there are some factors that can lead to a larger baby:
Family history: If you or the baby's father were born big, the baby is more likely to be big as well.Diabetes: Women with diabetes and high levels of blood sugar are more likely to deliver larger babies.Past pregnancies: If you've had a big baby before, chances are subsequent babies will also be larger.Weight: If you gained more weight before, or during, your pregnancy, the baby can also be big. Late due date: Women who are two or more weeks past their original due date are likely carrying larger babies.Baby's sex: Studies show that boys are more likely to be born big.But remember, even though all the above factors may be present, there is also a very high chance that even a mother who is diabetic, late, and carrying a boy can likely deliver a 7-pounder. Sometimes, even the most telltale signs can end up being flukes.
How much did your babies weigh when they were born? Did the above factors ring true?
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