Thousands of super-size babies were born across Kent last year, at a rate higher than the national average.

There were 17,485 babies born and weighed at the county's four NHS trusts in the 12 months to March 2018, according to NHS Digital data.

Of these, 2,140, or 12%, tipped the scales at 4kg or more - the equivalent of 8lb 13oz. The average rate nationally was 11%.

The Royal College of Midwives says this is the benchmark for a baby to be considered large – the medical term for which is macrosomia.

In Kent, the highest number of large babies were born in the area covered by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust where 625 babies out of 4,740 tipped the scales above 8lb 13oz, a rate of 13%.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust also had 13% of babies born in the large category, a total of 415 out of 3,195.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust had 525 large babies born out of 4,570, a rate of 11% while Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust recorded 575 heavyweight infants out of 4,800 babies born, a rate of 12%.

Unusually large babies can cause difficulties during labour and delivery, according to the RCM.

"This could include a higher risk of shoulder dystocia, when the shoulders get stuck and impacted by the woman’s pelvis, which can require some maneuvering to help the baby out," said RCM professional policy advisor, Clare Livingstone.

"There is a risk of injury with these deliveries, but it is a very small risk."

Women with significantly large babies are also more likely to need a caesarian section.

Almost 60,000 babies born across England during the same period weighed in at 4kg or over - 11% of the total.

The highest proportion of big babies were born at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in North Yorkshire, where 16% of babies weighed at least 4kg.

Barts Health NHS Trust in London had the smallest proportion, with just 7%.

Obese mothers – those with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over – are twice as likely to have a baby weighing at least 4kg, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

"There is a risk of injury with these deliveries, but it is a very small risk..." - Clare Livingstone, RCM

Patrick O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and RCOG spokesman, said: "There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of a baby being born larger than average.

"These include a woman with a history of having large babies, going past her due date, being overweight or obese before or during pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

“Women are encouraged to eat healthily and exercise before conception and during pregnancy."

Babies born in Kent's four NHS trusts most commonly weighed between 3,000g and 3,499g (6lb 10oz - 7lb 11oz).

More than a third of babies fell into this category.

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