Big headed baby? Or just a big baby in general! How will moms know? Will this cause any complications during their pregnancy? Many mothers fear their unborn baby will have something wrong with them if it turns out that they have a bigger head than what is considered to be normal.

Don't stress yourself mom; this is not always the case. In fact, studies have shown that 97 percent of babies born with a larger head due to our are perfectly healthy – which means there’s nothing to worry about!

Here is a fact most moms will love; According to studies done at Edinburgh University, babies who are born with a larger head will be more intelligent later on in life! These studies were originally published in 2016, but looking at the data from 100,000 residents from ages 37 to 73 concluded that babies born with this trait as an infant, have a better overall health and turn out high leveled in the intelligence department.

Again, for the big question, every mom-to-be asks themselves is - how will I know? In this article, we will learn how to tell if the baby has developed a big adorable head. We will also go over things that may or may not affect your precious unborn baby.

15 Look At The Ultrasound

Ultrasounds can be exciting! Being able to see your baby as it grows and moves those arms and legs around and hearing the heartbeat for the very the first time is simply amazing! Until you look back on the screen and see that your unborn baby's head and body look unusually large.

In most cases, it's no cause for concern. It could be how the ultrasound tech was looking, and what angle they are looking from because that would also make the baby’s head or body seem large. The main concern most doctors have is fluid on the brain. This is called hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus causes an infection in the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella, mumps, or birth defects such as Spina Bifida. But don’t worry mom, most times your little one is perfectly fine!

14 A Little Extra Fluff

This is the biggest fear of most moms-to-be... getting on the scale! As long as the numbers don't get out of control adding some pounds is completely normal during pregnancy. It's okay to occasionally give in to that chocolate cake you have been dying for as long as you do daily exercises. Studies do show that over 50 percent of women overeat while pregnant and don't exercise. Gaining an excessive amount will not only harm you, but it could cause complications during your pregnancy. Eating too much can also cause you to have a larger baby. The saying, “eating for two,” is extremely overused.

The average amount a mom should gain is between 25 to 35 pounds over a stretch of nine months! So, keep this in mind when your craving something sweet, it just might make it easier to put that cake back down! For the sweet tooth cravings; certain fruits like apples or pineapples – in moderation of course – have been shown to reduces those yearnings for sugary goodies!

13 Big-Headed Parents

If mom or dad had a bigger head when they were born, then their baby has a chance of having one too! You have to love the family genes, am I right? Normally, having a larger head is not considered normal. Studies have shown that children with bigger heads are actually more intelligent. The bigger the head the bigger the brain, right? Wrong! If you believe that, you were most likely born with a small head.

Actually, UK’s BioBank collected data from a hundred thousand participants. These participants provided DNA samples in the form of blood, urine, and saliva, and then gathered information about their background and lifestyle. The studies revealed that big headed children are more intelligent, which means they will have academic achievements like going to college and earning a degree. Studies have also shown that babies that are born with a larger head have better overall health. So, there's no need to panic - some babies’ heads are just larger than others.

12 Moms Developed Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is very common in pregnancy. There are more than 200,000 cases in the United States per year. This happens during the 24 to the 25 weeks of your pregnancy. The craziest thing is that even though you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you actually don't have diabetes! Crazy right? It's still important to follow up with your doctor’s advice regarding blood glucose testing and dieting during your pregnancy so you and the baby remain healthy.

Having gestational diabetes can also increase your chances of having a larger baby – which also means a larger head. The extra glucose in your bloodstream crosses the placenta, which triggers your baby's pancreas to make extra insulin. Making a baby weigh more than what is considered average. Almost makes you want to stay away from sweets, completely right? Wrong! Don't deprive yourself - eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercises and you and that bundle of joy will be just fine.

11 Second Big Head

Imagine this. You are having your second child! So exciting right? Until you go to the doctor's office only to have your doctor inform you that your baby's head is a little larger than normal. That's one of a mother's biggest fear two big-headed babies. As if one wasn't enough right? Now in some cases, it's unlikely to have two big-headed children. Only 8 percent of babies in the united states actually meet the medical definition of a large baby, and because of this one in three babies are born by C-section. Most cases of babies born with a larger head and body do not have medical problems. It's just genetics. So, take a deep breath ladies, if you have done it once you can do it again! Hopefully, the second time around won't be so hard.

10 Mom's Own Birth Pounds

Shockingly, studies do show that the mother's genes do play a major role in the unborn baby's length, weight, and health. These studies have shown that the mothers own pounds at birth is a strong predictor of the baby's size and their length. How cool right? Knowing you can estimate how big your baby will be just by your own size at birth!

Other material factors also make a difference. Unmanaged high blood pressure, high blood sugar, pre-existing diabetes - these are the most common conditions leading to a larger baby at birth, and what comes with a large baby other than a large head. A mother's eating habits and lifestyle can also play a huge role, like what she eats and her daily exercise. The more pounds a woman gains the more likely she is to have a large baby. So, if you were a big-headed baby, there is a good chance your baby will be just like mommy!

9 Teen Moms

Being a teenager in high school is hard enough in itself, right? Imagine becoming a teen mom! Being a teen mom can drastically change a teenager’s life. They go from worrying about their grades to worrying about how they will break the news to their loved ones, and how they will finish out their education. Being young and raising a child yourself can be a scary thought for most teens.

There are many risks for teen pregnancy that most teen moms don't consider. For example, complications during the pregnancy. There are also chances of low birth weights, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and a higher rate of infant mortality. Doctors fear, with teens, there is an even higher risk of disproportion. Meaning the baby's head is wider than the pelvic opening. Which causes the mother to go through a C-section that can put a tremendous amount of stress on the body.

If you are a teen mom talk to your doctor first about your reproductive health. Or any signs or symptoms that could in danger you or your growing baby.

8 Overdue Baby

Could you imagine being pregnant for 40 weeks and you're still waiting to meet that precious little one you have been renting your belly too? Most moms-to-be become anxious, filled with worry and questions. But there's no need to be alarmed some buns take more time in the oven then others do. Pregnancies that last longer than 40 weeks are referred to as late-term pregnancies in most cases there is nothing to worry about.

Your doctor may start to keep a close eye on your baby to see how he or she is doing. In some cases, overdue babies do have high risks such as infection and the placenta can't function like it needed too. In most cases, a C-sections are done because the baby is too large to fit through the birthing canal. Can you guess what this means? The baby will also have a big head!

7 Mom’s Having A Baby Boy

How long is he? How much will he weigh? That is one of the most frequently asked questions from moms-to-be. The size of their baby bump can often be misleading. The bigger the bump the bigger the baby isn't necessarily true. The average weight of a newborn baby can range from 5 to 10 pounds depending on the baby. Boys tend to weigh more than the girls do.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, boys also tend to be around ½ inch longer than girls. Boys tend to grow faster in the womb. Studies have shown that women who carry boys tend to eat more than women that carry girls. But on average most boys only weigh 3 ½ ounces more than girls do. Boys have us girls beat but not by much! As we all now know, the bigger the baby – the bigger the head!

6 Is It The Flu?

Have you had your flu shot yet? Doctors are encouraging women to get it before they become pregnant or even after becoming pregnant. Studies have shown the flu vaccine is harmless to expecting mothers and their unborn babies. Having the flu is absolutely miserable. Now imagine having the flu while being pregnant. This is most moms-to-be the worst nightmare. Doctors can only give you a handful of medication to help fight off the infection. Having the flu can harm you and your unborn baby. It may cause birth defects such as developmental delays, infection to the spinal cord, infection to the brain that will cause head swelling, inflammation of the heart, and stillbirth. It's better to be safe than sorry get your flu vaccine today!

5 Hurler’s Syndrome

Becoming pregnant is an emotional rollercoaster that is filled with anxiety, joy, and most of all, the worry about the unknown. Many moms-to-be are so overwhelmed with joy and preparation for little one, they tend to go forget about the concerns that come with pregnancy such as birth defects. There are many types of birth defects, but there are some that most moms don't notice. Such as Hurler syndrome.

Now don't panic this birth defect is only hereditary. Now I know what everyone's next question is. What is Hurler syndrome? Hurler syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 is a genetic disorder that results in a buildup of glycosaminoglycan. Symptoms are the large swollen brain, developmental delays, mental decline, hearing loss and so on. Talk with your OB doctor to find out more about testing and treatments.

4 Rapid Growth

An average baby weighs about 7 to 8 pounds after birth. Only 9 percent of babies are born 8 pounds and up. It’s very unlikely to have a baby over 10 pounds. In some cases, some babies grow and mature faster than others. This is called LGA. This stands for Large for Gestational Age. These babies are born anywhere from 37 weeks to 41 weeks.

Some babies come prematurely weighing 8 pounds that’s insane right? But the truth is, it’s not that common and it only affects 10 percent of babies in the United States. It can be genetic and can come from the mother or father being a larger size baby, or it can also be from the mother overeating with very little exercise. So, if you are worried about having a larger baby - eat a healthy diet and exercise daily. Not only to keep from having a larger baby but also for you and your baby’s health!

3 Getting Dehydrated

Most moms-to-be worry more about what they are putting on their plate. 9 out of 10 women who are pregnant get severely dehydrated. So instead of going to refill your dinner plate, you might want to go refill your water glass instead! The more water the mother consumes the more water the baby gets right! Studies have shown that the fetus will become dehydrated before the mother will- which is something most women do not know. It might be crazy but it is also true!

Water is extremely important for fetal development. Dehydration can cause multiple birth defects. Such as premature labor, bladder infection, amniotic sac can dry up and most importantly lack of oxygen to the brain. The lack of oxygen can cause brain swelling that will cause the head to swell. So, do you and that unborn baby a major favor and plenty of drink water!

2 PCOS During Pregnancy Can Lead To Diabetes

If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - you will be facing a time of incredible joy and happiness, as well as increased stress, worry, and anxiety. Women with PCOS have more complications than a woman that does not have this condition. There is a higher chance of birth defects for the fetus such as high blood pressure, premature delivery, and Macrosomia, which causes a baby to become larger than an average size baby. These soon-to-be moms have a lot on their plate. Try not to panic because your OBGYN will be keeping a close eye on your whole pregnancy he may watch for premature labor, infection, trauma, and oxygen deprivation, all of which can lead to swelling of the head and brain, causing brain damage.

1 Preeclampsia

Bringing new life into this world is a scary enough thought, right? Well, add the thought of birth defects to the mix most moms-to-be have a nervous breakdown 50 percent of pregnant women don’t know about preeclampsia until they find out they have it and it is a rare pregnancy condition. Fewer than 200,000 cases are reported per year.

So, try not to stress over it too much only 5 to 8 percent of pregnancies are affected. If you are worried, have questions, or have mild preeclampsia ask your OBGYN for more information. The symptoms your doctor may watch for is premature labor, infection, trauma, and oxygen deprivation with your unborn baby - all of which can lead to swelling of the head and brain, causing brain damage. Try not to stress yourself out too much - your OBGYN will be keeping a very close eye on you if you develop preeclampsia. So, stay calm stress isn’t good for you or your pregnancy.

Sources: whattoexpect.com, Parents.com, Livingstrong.com, Healthline.com, Medlineplus.com