A normal newborn's weight ranges from 6 to 8 jin (approximately 3 to 4.5 kg). A baby exceeding 8 jin is classified as a "macrosomic infant." While macrosomia was once rare, it has become increasingly common in recent years. Among every 20 newborns delivered in obstetrics and gynecology departments, one may be macrosomic. In this case, due to the mother being an older first-time parent, her family feared inadequate fetal nutrition and frequently supplemented her diet with sea cucumber.By the time of delivery, the mother's weight had increased by over 50 jin (25 kg) compared to before pregnancy, and the baby weighed 11 jin (5.5 kg) at birth.
A larger newborn is not necessarily better.Pregnant women carrying macrosomic fetuses face difficult deliveries, often resulting in obstructed labor and necessitating cesarean sections. Even cesarean deliveries carry risks of postpartum hemorrhage and other surgical complications for the mother, while infants may suffer nerve tissue contusions, skeletal fractures, or even life-threatening injuries. Macrosomic infants also face significantly higher risks of developing diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity later in life compared to peers.
Beyond genetic factors from tall parents or pathological causes, the primary reason for these macrosomic babies is diet. Expectant mothers are advised to follow a scientific diet plan: average weekly weight gain during pregnancy should be 1 jin (approximately 0.5 kg), with total weight gain at delivery not exceeding 40 jin (approximately 20 kg) above pre-pregnancy weight. If weekly weight gain exceeds 2 jin (approximately 1 kg), the mother may develop latent edema or gestational hypertension. If these conditions are ruled out, the fetus may be overweight, and timely medical consultation is recommended.