New York's Daily News is reporting that a Texas woman gave birth to a 16-pound baby boy last week. Janet Johnson and her fiancé, Michael Brown, welcomed JaMichael Brown, who weighed in at 16 pounds 1 ounce and was nearly 2 feet long.
Philip Caulfield of the Daily News reports, " 'Everybody was amazed that he was so big,' Johnson, 39, said. 'I don't think too many people have heard of having a 16-pound baby.' "
The couple suspected that they might have a big baby because Brown is 6 feet 7. Doctors said that Johnson was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, which may have contributed to JaMichael's size. A nurse stated that the size of the baby may mean that he will have problems regulating his blood sugar. Doctors placed the baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, where he was being fed through a feeding tube.
Having a 16-pound baby of JaMichael's size is big news, pun intended, but let's not overlook the seriousness of gestational diabetes in our celebration. Gestational diabetes can be brought on by a myriad of factors, including genetics and diet. According to Womenshealth.com, African-American women have higher rates of gestational diabetes than do non-Hispanic white women.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but having gestational diabetes puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Hopefully, little JaMichael and mother will return to good health.
This posting has been updated to reflect the fact that Michael Brown, not Janet Johnson, is 6 feet 7.
Read more at the Daily News.
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