How To Increase Baby Percentile During Pregnancy?
Concerned about your baby's growth percentile during pregnancy? Understand factors influencing fetal growth and potential supportive measures. Always follow your doctor's advice for a healthy pregnancy.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. Siri Nallapu MBBS
Last updated on 13th Jan, 2026
Introduction
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and every parent wants their baby to grow healthy and strong. One way doctors track your baby’s growth is by measuring their percentile—a comparison of your baby’s size with other babies at the same gestational age. If your baby is in a lower percentile, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but you may want to take steps to support healthy growth.
In this article, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to help improve your baby’s growth percentile during pregnancy while keeping you and your little one healthy.
Understanding Baby Percentile
A growth percentile tells you how your baby’s size compares to other babies of the same age. For example, if your baby is in the 30th percentile, it means 30% of babies are smaller, and 70% are larger.
Below 10th percentile: May indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), meaning the baby is smaller than expected.
10th–90th percentile: Generally considered normal.
Above 90th percentile: May mean the baby is larger than average.
If your doctor mentions concerns about your baby’s growth, don’t panic—many factors influence this, and there are ways to support healthy development.
How to Improve a Baby's Growth Percentile?
Tips on how to improve a baby's growth percentile during pregnancy:
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Focus on protein, healthy fats, iron, folate, calcium, Vitamin D, and complex carbs to nourish your baby's growth and development, while avoiding junk food and undercooked meats.
Stay Hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to support nutrient absorption and maintain healthy amniotic fluid levels.
Take Prenatal Vitamins: Consult your doctor about supplementing your diet with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and DHA through prenatal vitamins.
Get Enough Rest & Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and naps to reduce stress and fatigue, which can impact fetal growth.
Stay Active (But Don’t Overdo It): Engage in moderate, doctor-approved exercises like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming to improve circulation and nutrient delivery.
Monitor Weight Gain: Follow your doctor's guidelines for healthy weight gain based on your pre-pregnancy BMI to support optimal fetal growth.
Avoid Harmful Substances: Completely avoid smoking and alcohol, and limit caffeine and unprescribed medications, as they can hinder the baby's growth.
Regular Prenatal Checkups: Attend all scheduled appointments so your doctor can monitor your baby's growth and recommend interventions if needed.
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and gentle walks to minimize stress hormones that can affect fetal growth.
Consider Medical Interventions (If Needed): Be prepared to follow your doctor's recommendations for hospital monitoring or early delivery if severe growth restriction occurs.
Consult Top Gynecologist For Personalised Guidance
When to See a Doctor?
Consult your doctor if:
✔ Baby’s growth percentile drops suddenly.
✔ You notice reduced fetal movements.
✔ You have high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections.
Early detection and care can make a big difference!
Conclusion
Every pregnancy is unique, and babies grow at different rates. By following a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, and keeping up with prenatal visits, you can give your baby the best chance for healthy growth. If you have concerns about your baby’s growth, Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and pregnancy care plans. You can book an appointment or schedule an ultrasound easily online.
Consult Top Gynecologist
Consult Top Gynecologist For Personalised Guidance
Dr. Batchu Sowdamini
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24 Years • MBBS, MD(OB&G)
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Consult Top Gynecologist
Dr. Batchu Sowdamini
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
24 Years • MBBS, MD(OB&G)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Hospital, Healthcity, Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Ruplin Terangpi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
11 Years • MBBS, MS (OBS & GYNAEC)
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Surpreet Kaur Sandhu
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
20 Years • MBBS MS (OBS Gyn). Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery & Fellowship in Advanced Infertility Training (FOGSI)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(200+ Patients)
Dr. Srikala Dodda Reddy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
10 Years • MBBS,DNB(Obstetrics and Gynaecology),FRM(Post doctoral fellowship in reproductive medicine)
Chennai
Apollo Women Hospitals Thousand Lights, Chennai
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Senthamil Selvi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
23 Years • MBBS, DNB (OBGYN)
Chennai
Apollo Women Hospitals Thousand Lights, Chennai
(75+ Patients)