Are subsequent babies always bigger?
Generally speaking subsequent pregnancies do tend to result in larger babies, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
No pregnancy is the same and as we know babies tend to break all the rules, so it’s by no means certain. Often women start to show more quickly than they did during their first pregnancy, which is probably to do with the fact that the muscles in their abdomens are a little more flexible next time around.
While some women have found that successive babies have grown by an extra pound or two this shouldn't mean that the birth will be any more difficult. In fact, it’s just as likely that a smaller first baby will result in a difficult birth than a larger second or third (or more!) baby. Often, women imagine all sorts of nightmare scenarios in their minds about how a bigger baby may cause them untold agony during delivery but in reality it’s not the case since any extra weight has no bearing on the size of its head. In fact, most women find that subsequent births are generally quicker and less difficult.
If you had a big baby the first time around and are worried about the second, discuss your fears with your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Comments 8
My son Ryan was 7lb 12, and he was 5 days late. I'm 23 weeks pregnant and at my last scan I found out he's a boy,and she also said that he was big by the measurements they do. Most of the measurements were right at the top or just over. I';ve got to go for another scan to check the size in 2 weeks. I didn't think at the time to ask but I've been a bit worried. Has anyone else been told the same thing in their pregnancy? And was there any complications?
In my case - yes, they do get bigger!! my first weighed 8lb 14 nad a half then my second weighed 8lb 12 and a half. my third was 9lb 7oz and my last one is months old and weighed 10lb 4oz!!
My first child was a boy who came 5 days early and weighed 8lb 6.5oz. My second was a girl who came on her due date and weighed 7lb 8oz. Maybe it was because of the different sex that the second was smaller than the first. Who knows? If many of these stories are anything to go by, it sounds like it is more wives tale than fact that the second and onwards are always bigger.
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