When an expectant mother wonders about the gender of her baby — whether it will be a boy or a girl — another question often comes to mind: does the baby’s weight depend on its gender? Will a baby boy weigh more than a baby girl? Such questions usually come from a mother’s desire to be reassured about her baby’s health and well-being.
Although there are slight differences in birth weight between boys and girls, it’s important for mothers to monitor their newborn’s weight for several reasons. To shed light on this topic, Sayidaty & Your Baby spoke with Dr. Rabab Mousa, an obstetrics and gynecology consultant, who explained whether a baby’s weight at birth differs depending on gender.
Important Information About Newborn Weight
In medical terms, a baby is considered a newborn during the first four weeks of life.
It’s perfectly normal for newborns to lose some weight a few days after birth — usually around 7–10% of their birth weight. This happens because the baby’s body expels excess fluids stored under the skin. Mothers shouldn’t worry about this temporary loss; healthy babies quickly regain the lost weight once feeding is established.
The Difference Between Boys’ and Girls’ Birth Weights
A newborn’s weight largely depends on the gestational week at which birth occurs:
-
At 36 weeks: a baby boy typically weighs around 2,783 g, while a baby girl weighs about 2,698 g.
-
At 37 weeks: a boy’s weight averages 3,001 g, and a girl’s about 2,917 g.
-
At 38 weeks: expect around 3,218 g for a boy and 3,136 g for a girl.
-
At 39 weeks: boys average 3,432 g, and girls 3,354 g.
-
At 40 weeks (full term): boys weigh about 3,639 g, while girls weigh around 3,567 g.
As you can see, boys tend to be slightly heavier at birth than girls, though the difference is modest.
Reasons a Baby Might Not Gain Weight After Birth
A newborn may fail to gain weight for several reasons:
-
Insufficient feeding: The mother may be inexperienced with breastfeeding, leading to incomplete feeds.
-
Frequent vomiting: This may occur due to medical issues such as an esophageal malformation or gastroesophageal reflux, which requires medical evaluation.
-
Improper supplementation: Giving the baby sweetened water, sugar water, or herbal drinks like anise or caraway right after birth provides no nutritional benefit and can interfere with proper feeding.
-
Sleep patterns: Too little sleep—or excessive sleep without regular feeding—can both hinder weight gain.
-
Congenital conditions: Heart defects, genetic disorders, or premature birth (preterm infants) can lead to slow or limited weight gain.
-
Infections: Frequent digestive infections, especially during the first month, can reduce weight gain and are often linked to hygiene issues.
-
Maternal and environmental factors: The mother’s health and the baby’s surroundings can also affect growth.
Generally, baby boys weigh slightly more than girls. However, conditions such as growth hormone deficiency or thyroid hormone deficiency can slow overall development regardless of gender.
The Importance of Monitoring Your Baby’s Weight
You should be concerned if your baby gains only about 600 grams in the first six months. Normally, babies should gain weight according to internationally recognized growth charts used by pediatricians.
Weigh your baby:
-
Immediately after birth
-
After one week
-
After two weeks
-
And at every vaccination appointment
Tracking your baby’s weight this way helps ensure healthy growth and early detection of potential problems.
Keep in mind that a baby’s weight can differ before and after birth. Ultrasound measurements during pregnancy provide estimates, but the true weight is determined only after birth.
To obtain an accurate weight, the baby should be weighed without clothing, since even light garments can alter the measurement.
It’s especially important to monitor premature (preterm) babies closely. Their feeding and weight gain should be observed carefully once they leave neonatal care to ensure proper growth.
Regular weight checks are also crucial to detect potential metabolic disorders, which can prevent healthy weight gain in newborns.
Post a Comment