Hundreds of 'super size' babies born to mums in East Lancashire

Around nine per cent of babies born at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust are considered to be 'super sized.'

There were 6,085 babies born and weighed at the trust in the 12 months to March 2018, according to NHS Digital data.

Of these, 565, or nine per cent, tipped the scales at 4kg or more - the equivalent of 8lb 13oz.

The Royal College of Midwives says this is the benchmark for a baby to be considered large – the medical term for which is macrosomia.

Babies born at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust most commonly weighed between 3000g and 3499g (6lb 10oz - 7lb 11oz).

More than a third of babies fell into this category.

Unusually large babies can cause difficulties during labour and delivery, according to the RCM.

"This could include a higher risk of shoulder dystocia, when the shoulders get stuck and impacted by the woman’s pelvis, which can require some manoeuvring to help the baby out," said RCM professional policy advisor, Clare Livingstone.

"There is a risk of injury with these deliveries, but it is a very small risk.

Women with significantly large babies are also more likely to need a caesarean section.

Almost 60,000 babies born across England during the same period weighed in at 4kg or over - 11% of the total.

The highest proportion of big babies were born at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in North Yorkshire, where 16% of babies weighed at least 4kg.

Barts Health NHS Trust in London had the smallest proportion, with just 7%.

Obese mothers – those with a body mass Index of 30 or over – are twice as likely to have a baby weighing at least 4kg, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Patrick O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and RCOG spokesman, said: "There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of a baby being born larger than average.

"These include a woman with a history of having large babies, going past her due date, being overweight or obese before or during pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

“Women are encouraged to eat healthily and exercise before conception and during pregnancy."