Mom Gives Birth to a 13-lb Baby, and the Photos of Her Newborn Leave Many People Confused

year ago

The remarkable birth of Carleigh Brooke Corbitt has mesmerized numerous individuals. From the unexpected size of the mother’s abdomen to the extraordinary manner in which Carleigh entered the world, this story unfolds with surprising turns and instances of happiness. Come along with us as we explore the Corbitts’ unique journey.

Meet the mother.

Newborn sizes can vary widely from one case to another. While some infants have an average birth weight, others may be born with lower weights, even without being premature. Throughout the entire pregnancy period, the fetus undergoes precise developmental mechanisms, leading to the formation of organs, bone structure, and fat mass. However, fetal weight is subject to considerable variation, influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.

A newborn weighing less than 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) is classified as low birth weight, whereas an average normal baby typically weighs around 6 lbs (approximately 3.3 kg). In rare cases, newborns may exceed this average weight, as exemplified by Carleigh Brooke Corbitt. Christine Corbitt, a 29-year-old mother with three previous children, felt confident in her fourth pregnancy, thinking she was well-versed in the intricacies of the perinatal experience. However, the surprise awaited her during childbirth.

When mother met the baby.

Corbitt acknowledged the noticeable enlargement of her belly as she approached the final stages of her pregnancy. However, the full extent of the size became evident during the C-section delivery of Carleigh Brooke Corbitt, who weighed a remarkable 13 pounds, 5 ounces (6 kg). Recounting her expectations, woman expressed surprise at the size of her baby, mentioning that she had previously delivered babies weighing 9 and 10 lbs and had anticipated a similar weight for her new arrival, estimating around 10 lbs.

Reflecting on the moment, Corbitt recounted in an interview that she heard laughter from the medical team during the delivery. Dr. Eric Edelenbos, the delivering doctor, recalled thinking that the baby was unusually large. Corbitt humorously added that it felt as though they had “pulled a toddler out of my belly.”

Life after the delivery.

A news crew documented the mother and baby’s presence at their three-week checkup. Carleigh, dressed in pink and white, displayed a calm and content demeanor throughout the appointment. Despite facing challenges with gestational diabetes in the early stages, she appeared to be in excellent health and high spirits.

Due to concerns related to gestational diabetes, Carleigh had to spend some time in the NICU for monitoring her blood sugar levels. Fortunately, she received a clean bill of health. Now, Christine expressed her intention to take some well-deserved rest—this time for good. With a smile on her face, she declared that she doesn’t want more babies.

Doctors express concerns over the birth of large babies.

Dr. Leena Nathan, Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, underscores the potential complications linked to larger babies, expressing concerns for both the mother and the child. She notes that labor may not progress normally, heightening the mother’s risk of needing a cesarean section, as was the case with Christine.

Nathan highlights another concern, noting that babies born large may experience low blood sugar levels at birth. She links the occurrence of larger babies to a rise in diabetes among mothers, identifying it as a significant risk factor. Nathan highlights that obese women, in particular, are more prone to delivering very large babies. To mitigate these risks, doctors recommend minimal weight gain, or even none at all, for obese women during pregnancy.