Does a large fetus mean premature birth? Is it best to have a moderate fetus?

In the minds of many people, especially the elderly, they want to have a "fat grandson", and they feel that the fatter the grandson, the healthier he is. In fact, this is not the case. If the fetus is too large, not only may the child have congenital diseases, but the childbirth will also be very painful for the mother. However, a large fetus will not cause premature birth.

A large fetus will not usually cause premature birth. Generally speaking, premature birth in pregnant women is mainly related to the following factors: combined uterine malformations (such as bicornuate uterus, septate uterus), cervical relaxation, and uterine fibroids. And acute or chronic diseases, smoking, drug abuse, alcoholism, severe malnutrition. Others, such as long-distance travel, climate change, etc.

Since the mechanism that causes the onset of labor is not yet fully understood, there are still many unknowns about the causes of premature birth. In the analysis of clinical medical records, most of the causes of premature birth are:

1. Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy.

2. Early rupture of membranes, early placental abruption or placenta previa.

3. Multiple pregnancy or polyhydramnios.

4. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nephritis, liver disease, diabetes, severe pulmonary tuberculosis, endocrine disorders (such as habitual premature birth), malnutrition, etc.

5. Anemia and severe hemolytic disease.

6. Acute infectious diseases accompanied by high fever.

7. Uterine tumors, endometritis and cervical relaxation.

8. Pelvic and spinal deformities, twin or fetal malformations, premature rupture of membranes, umbilical cord abnormalities and polyhydramnios.

9. Acute or chronic poisoning.

10. Intense emotional fluctuations or overwork.

11. Accidental injury or surgery.

The dangers of having a large fetus

Not conducive to normal delivery

Because the fetus is too large, birth will be difficult, which can easily lead to long labor, dystocia and birth canal lacerations. Not only will the vagina be lacerated, but in severe cases the uterus and bladder may even rupture. Therefore, the chance of switching from vaginal delivery to cesarean section increases if the fetus is too large.

Prone to postpartum hemorrhage

Because the fetus is relatively large, the uterus expands excessively during delivery, the uterine contractions are weak, the labor process is prolonged, and postpartum bleeding and infection are prone to occur.

May cause fetal asphyxia

If the fetus is too large during delivery, due to being overweight and having broad shoulders, it will usually get stuck in the pelvis, which can easily cause bone damage during the forced traction process. Sometimes, due to prolonged time, suffocation or even death may occur.

The fetus is susceptible to disease

The proportion of congenital heart disease, anencephaly and other deformities in macrosomia is higher than that in normal weight babies, and they are also more likely to suffer from obesity when they grow up, making them susceptible to various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.