Your baby’s weight, head circumference, and length will be measured to give an indication of her maturity and development. These measurements can be used as a baseline for her future development if necessary. Although routine measurements are inevitably compared to “the average,” don’t worry about this too much. An average is just an arithmetical calculation, so the “average child” is only theoretical and doesn’t exist.
Weight Newborns differ greatly in weight. Nutritional, placental, and racial factors all have a bearing. The weight range for babies born around their expected time is 5 pounds 6 ounces to 10 pounds 8 ounces (2.4-4.8 kilograms). If you are till or heavy or if you are diabetic, your baby is likely to weigh more. Women who suffer from chronic hypertension, vascular or renal disease, or pre-eclampsia, and women who smoke during pregnancy are likely to have lighter babies. A woman whose pregnancy is shorter than 40 weeks is also likely to have a lighter baby. Girls generally weigh slightly less than boys, and twins or other multiple births weigh less than singletons. It is normal for your baby to lose weight in the first few days after birth as her body adjusts to new feeding requirements. She must now process her own food, and it will take a while for her to feed consistently. The usual weight loss at this time is about 4-6 ounces (115-170 grams). After five to seven days, you can expect your baby’s weight to begin increasing. The significance of a baby’s weight gain is what it tells us of her overall physical health. Steady weight gain indicates that her food intake is sufficient and is being absorbed, whereas poor or erratic weight gain or weight loss signals that food intake is insufficient or that it isn’t being absorbed normally. Your baby will be weighed frequently by the paediatrician. There’s no need to monitor her weight at home unless the doctor advises it.
Head circumference Your baby’s head is disproportionately large in comparison to her body size, and takes up one quarter of her entire length.The younger baby is, the larger her head will be in proportion to the rest of her body. The average circumference of a newborn baby’s head is about 14 inches (31.5-38 centimetres). Measuring head circumference is regarded as an essential part of the examination of a baby because the growth of the head reflects the growth of the brain.
Chest and abdomen The circumference of your baby’s chest will be smaller than that of her head. Her stomach might appear to be very large and even distended, but given the immaturity of her abdominal muscles, this is to be expected.
