Texas Mother Delivers 13-Pound Newborn In Arlington Hospital, Stunning Doctors With One Of The Largest Births Recorded

TEXAS — A mother from Arlington is drawing widespread attention after delivering a 13-pound newborn, a baby so large that medical staff described him as the size of a three-month-old infant. The birth, which took place on December 18, left both the family and hospital workers stunned as they realized just how unusually big the newborn was.

Mother Says She Expected A Big Baby—But Not 13 Pounds

Markie Smith, 35, a dog walker from Arlington, said she knew her third child would be on the larger side. But she never imagined she would deliver a baby weighing 13 pounds, placing him among the largest infants ever delivered at the hospital.

Smith said she had already mentally prepared herself for a difficult labor, but the baby’s weight far surpassed her expectations. “I was expecting a large baby,” she told sources, “but when they announced the number, the entire room gasped.”

Medical staff were reportedly shocked as well, with several pausing in disbelief before confirming the weight multiple times. One nurse described the moment as “the entire delivery room erupting in amazement.”

Baby Canyon Delivered Safely Via C-Section

Smith delivered the baby—named Canyon—via C-section at 8:26 a.m. on December 18, a decision that doctors say likely prevented severe medical complications given the baby’s extraordinary size.

Smith admitted she felt relieved when her doctors recommended a surgical birth. “There was no way a baby this size was coming naturally,” she explained. Doctors later confirmed that a natural delivery could have been extremely dangerous for both mother and child. According to Smith, baby Canyon was born healthy and strong, despite his unusual size. Nurses noted that he weighed “the same as a bowling ball,” and his measurements rivaled those of a much older infant.

One Of The Largest Babies Delivered At The Hospital

Hospital officials told Smith that Canyon ranks among the largest newborns they have ever delivered, though not the largest in Texas history. Texas has a long record of extraordinarily large births—some exceeding 14 or even 16 pounds—but any newborn above 12 pounds is considered medically rare.

Doctors say babies of this size can indicate gestational diabetes or other complications, but Smith did not disclose whether any conditions contributed to her son’s weight. For now, both she and Canyon are reported to be doing well.

Family Adjusting To Life With Their “Big Boy”

Smith says the family is still adjusting to caring for a newborn who is already the size of a typical three-month-old. Clothes meant for newborns do not fit, diapers must be purchased in larger sizes, and even feeding schedules look different for a baby with such a head start in growth.

Still, Smith says she is grateful for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. “He’s huge, but he’s perfect,” she shared. “We’re just amazed by him every single day.” Thank you for reading the Saluda Standard-Sentinel.