While you cannot ever know everything about parenting, as there is always a new load of information. Right now, what is making rounds on TikTok is the 99 percentile babies. A Brisbane mom went viral after she shared her experience of giving birth to a baby in the 99th percentile size. Britanny Opetaia-Halls birthed her daughter who weighs 22 pounds, 9 ounces, which is about 5 pounds heavier than the average baby her age.

Dr Sermed Mezher, a digital health content creator, and a London based GP, shared: "Babies in the womb who measure in the 99th percentile for weight are refereed to as macrosomic baby, meaning they are significantly larger than average for their gestational age. While most macrosomic babies are healthy, their larger size can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy and delivery."

What are the risks?

Fir such babies, macrosomia can lead to shoulder dystocia, where shoulders become stuck during birth, or a higher likelihood of requiring a cesarean delivery. For the mother it can increase the risk of perineal tearing, excessive bleeding, or longer weight gain during pregnancy. Maternal diabetes, genetics, or excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also contribute to a baby being macrosomic.

This is known as fetal macrosomia, when your baby's weight is in the top 10% of the stage of pregnancy.

What causes it?

There are certain reason why your baby can be macrosomic:

You have a large fundal height (a measurement of fetal growth)

You have gained a lot of weight during pregnancy

You have diabetes or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes

You have previously delivered a large baby

You have gone past your due date

You were a big baby as a child

How is fetal macrosomia diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you to get an ultrasound to check the fetal weight and amount of amniotic fluid. An ultrasound is a diagnostic procedures that transmits high-frequency sound waves through body tissues. These waves transform into video or photographic images. An ultrasound is important because it can estimate a fetus's weight within about 10%. However, it means if the ultrasound estimates your baby is 9 pounds, it is the "best guest". However, it means the baby actually weighs somewhere between 8 to 10 pounds.

While the ultrasound is not precise, and it cannot predict shoulder dystocia, your healthcare provider will combine information from your ultrasound and pregnancy history to determine the safest route of delivery.

Risk In Babies

As per a 2013 study published in Maternal Child Health Journal, fetal macrosomia is a risk factor for the development of obesity late in childhood. A study also found that children born macrosomic had a 1.52 fold higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 7. Another study found that children born macrosomic had a 1.5 times higher chance of being overweight or obese in early childhood.

Such babies may have other complications, including a lower than normal blood sugar levels and a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

Children are sponges, picking up the behaviors and feelings of those around them, particularly their mothers. For one mother, the moment of realization came when she saw that her daughter was observing and learning everything—how she approached relationships, how she dealt with emotions, and how she established love and self-worth. That moment defined every choice she made, reaffirming a fact backed up by research: a mother's happiness is the number one predictor of a child's success.

Maternal satisfaction, usually quantified as subjective well-being, includes emotional well-being, satisfaction with life, and fulfillment. Maternal satisfaction is a function of numerous factors such as financial stability, social support systems, mental well-being, and work-life balance. Research, for instance, conducted at Ohio State University, verifies that children born to happier mothers are more likely to perform well academically, have better cognitive skills, and have fewer behavioral issues.

Cognitive and Emotional Development

Kids brought up in a home with a contented mother are likely to have better problem-solving abilities, greater emotional intelligence, and a positive learning attitude. When a mother takes care of herself, she creates a situation where her child feels safe, cared for, and motivated to excel.

Moreover, maternal happiness influences emotional stability. Children reflect their parents’ emotional states, meaning a mother who manages stress and prioritizes joy instills emotional resilience in her child. The result? A child who approaches challenges with confidence and composure.

The Behavioral Connection

A mother's joy is also a primary factor in determining the behavior of a child. The more joyful the mother, the more patient, caring, and involved she is, resulting in a warm and not tense home. This stability greatly minimizes the risk of anxiety, hostility, and other behavioral issues among children.

Successful parenting techniques also derive from maternal happiness. Mothers who are happy and emotionally stable tend to be more consistent in their discipline, provide praise, and communicate openly—ingredients for the confident and well-adjusted child.

How to Support Mothers for Brighter Futures and Kids?

Understandably recognizing the pivotal position of happiness in mothers, it becomes a priority to ensure mothers get the support they require. The most important factors that promote a mother's well-being are:

Mental Health Resources: Access to counseling, therapy, and stress management initiatives.

Work-Life Balance: Family-friendly policies that allow flexible work hours and parental leave.

Social Support: Family networks, family support, and peer support groups.

Financial Stability: Financial security that alleviates stress and enables mothers to provide more for their children.

The mother who had worried about bringing up her daughter in a "broken home" discovered that a broken relationship is not a broken life. Rather, by putting herself first and taking care of herself, she gave her daughter the greatest gift: a model of self-worth, resilience, and emotional health.

A happy mother isn't solely about her—it's the key to a child's success. When mothers are successful, their children thrive, showing that a happy mother indeed builds a successful future.

Pregnancy is usually a period of euphoria and expectation, but what if the symptoms of loose stools, stomach pain, and dizziness are warning signs of something far more dangerous? Although morning sickness and fatigue are usual, these symptoms could be the sign of an ectopic pregnancy—a life-threatening condition affecting about 2% of all pregnancies. Interestingly enough, more than 90% of ectopic pregnancies are located in the fallopian tubes, where the implanted fertilized egg is found outside the uterus and can rupture, causing profuse internal bleeding. If this isn't treated, it will result in death. So how do you know when you are in danger, and what should you do if you are?

Although some aches and pains are usual, some symptoms warrant immediate medical intervention. Have you had loose stools and abdominal discomfort in early pregnancy? They may be more than just stomach upsets—they may be indicative of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a dangerous condition needing to be treated promptly.

What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. These pregnancies cannot be carried to term because only the uterus can provide the necessary environment for fetal growth. Medical professionals estimate that roughly 1-2% of all pregnancies are ectopic, and more than 90% of these occur in the fallopian tubes. Less often, ectopic pregnancies may develop in the ovaries, cervix, or even the abdominal cavity.

As the pregnancy advances, the damaged tube can burst, causing extensive internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.

Dr. Monica Gupta, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, clarifies, "An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition as the pregnancy cannot survive, and there is a high risk of internal bleeding, which can be fatal."

Early Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

The early warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy might be subtle and confusing, simulating early signs of pregnancy, so it can be difficult to detect. Nevertheless, there are some crucial warning signs that must be evaluated immediately:

Vaginal bleeding: It can be light spotting or more significant bleeding other than a normal menstrual period.

Abdominal pain: Sustained or severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, usually on one side.

Loose stools and abdominal discomfort: Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea and pressure in the rectum, may be a sign of a more developed ectopic pregnancy.

Dizziness and syncope: Internal bleeding causes hypotension that leads to feelings of lightheadedness or passing out.

Pain in the shoulder: This abnormal symptom might appear if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy irritates the diaphragm.

Dr. Gupta points out, "Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be vague and difficult to differentiate from normal pregnancy, especially in early stages before tubal rupture begins." This is the reason women who have any of the aforementioned symptoms need to undergo medical examination without hesitation.

Who Is at Risk for an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Although an ectopic pregnancy can occur in any woman, there are some risk factors that can make this condition more likely:

Previous ectopic pregnancy: A history of ectopic pregnancy greatly increases the risk of recurrence.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, preventing the passage of the fertilized egg.

Previous tubal surgery: Operations including tubal ligation (tying the tubes) or operations for endometriosis may predispose to it.

Use of fertility treatments: Women who have had in vitro fertilization (IVF) are at increased risk of ectopic implantation.

Smoking: Use of tobacco is associated with fallopian tube damage.

Use of IUD at conception: Though uncommon, an intrauterine device (IUD) at the time of conception may raise the risk.

Age more than 35 years: Women older than this age group have a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Notably, as many as 50% of ectopic pregnancies happen in women with no identifiable risk factors, which underscores the importance of caution among all pregnant women.

Why Ectopic Pregnancy Is a Medical Emergency

A growing pregnancy needs room to expand, but fallopian tubes do not have the capacity to stretch like the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy goes undiagnosed, the tube may rupture, causing heavy internal bleeding, shock, and death if untreated.

Dr. Gupta describes, "In advanced stages, patients have severe abdominal pain, fainting, anemia, a drop in blood pressure, and shock. If rupture happens, immediate surgery is required."

How Is an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is critical in treating an ectopic pregnancy. Physicians employ the following methods:

Pregnancy test: A positive pregnancy test with abnormal symptoms is suspicious.

Pelvic examination: Physicians can sense tenderness, a mass, or abnormal fullness in the pelvis.

Ultrasound scan: Transvaginal ultrasound can establish the lack of pregnancy in the uterus and detect its location elsewhere.

Blood tests: Testing for levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) can diagnose abnormal pregnancies.

Treatment Options for Ectopic Pregnancy

The treatment depends on the stage at which an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed:

Medication: If caught early, methotrexate, a drug that halts cell development, can be administered to dissolve the ectopic tissue without surgery.

Surgery: In the event the condition has progressed or rupture has already happened, immediate surgery must be done to remove the pregnancy and repair or eliminate the affected fallopian tube. This is usually done laparoscopically (minimal invasive procedure).

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition, and early diagnosis makes a big difference in outcomes. Any woman with unusual pain, bleeding, or gastrointestinal symptoms during early pregnancy must be evaluated immediately.

Dr. Gupta emphasizes, "A suspicion of ectopic pregnancy should always be made when a patient comes with abnormal bleeding or pain during early pregnancy. Delay in diagnosis can result in serious complications."

Pregnancy should be a time of joy, but unexpected complications can arise. If you are pregnant and experience persistent abdominal pain, loose stools, dizziness, or unusual bleeding, consult a healthcare provider without delay. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious but treatable condition when diagnosed early. Raising awareness and understanding the warning signs can save lives.

Dr Monica Gupta is a Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar In India

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that pregnant individuals facing food insecurity are at a higher risk of complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The analysis, based on data from over 19,300 pregnant Kaiser Permanente Northern California members, found that those receiving food assistance did not face the same increased risks. The findings highlight the importance of food assistance programs in ensuring better maternal and infant health outcomes.

Study Reveals Link Between Food Insecurity and Pregnancy Complications

The study examined pregnant individuals who were screened for food insecurity—defined as running out of food or worrying about running out due to financial constraints. Key findings include:

• 14% (about 2,700 participants) experienced food insecurity during pregnancy.
• 7.6% (1,470 participants) received food assistance while pregnant.
• Higher rates of gestational diabetes (10.9% in food-insecure individuals vs. 7.9% in those without food insecurity).
• Increased risk of preeclampsia (8.1% vs. 6.3%).

Other complications such as preterm birth and neonatal ICU admission were also more common in food-insecure pregnancies.

No significant link was found between food insecurity and gestational hypertension or Caesarean delivery.

How Does Food Insecurity Affect Pregnancy?

Poor Nutrition and Diet Quality

Lack of access to nutritious food may lead to an unbalanced diet, increasing the risk of pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure disorders.

Inconsistent Eating Patterns

Skipping meals or irregular eating habits can affect blood sugar regulation and overall maternal health.

Psychological and Physical Stress

The stress of worrying about food availability can contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and other health risks during pregnancy.

Food Assistance Can Reduce Health Risks

Unlike food-insecure participants, those who received food aid did not experience the same increase in complications. This suggests that food assistance programs play a crucial role in mitigating the health effects of food insecurity.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was the primary source of food assistance for study participants. In 2022, WIC provided benefits to 6.31 million pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department.

Recommendations: Improving Food Security in Pregnancy

Experts emphasize the need for better screening and policy improvements to address food insecurity among pregnant individuals. The study suggests:

• Routine screening for food insecurity during prenatal visits.
• Increased funding and accessibility for food assistance programs like WIC.
• Public health initiatives to ensure pregnant individuals have consistent access to nutritious food.

Food insecurity during pregnancy is linked to increased risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other complications. However, food assistance programs can help reduce these risks, emphasizing the importance of expanding access to such resources. Ensuring that all pregnant individuals have access to adequate nutrition is essential for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.