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.

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Last Modified: 02/05/2007

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Reply xXxtinkerxXx 13 days ago

my first girl was 10 days late, weighed 9lb 8oz i had a third degree tare and lots of other minor scratches (from forceps and ventuose). it was actually awful, i was scared to even have sex for a little over a yr! it might sound dramatic but i genuinely felt traumatised!

but my second girl was 2 days early and weighed 7lb 11oz, i had a minor tare but i was so pleased that i braved another natural birth! it was actually wonderful!