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Fetal macrosomia: Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

The worldwide prevalence of the birth of infants ≥4000 g is approximately 9 percent, with wide variations between countries [1]. About 0.1 percent of newborns weigh ≥5000 g. Despite major progress in obstetrics over the last 100 years, the delivery of large fetuses remains a source of anxiety among caregivers because these pregnancies are at increased risk of several perinatal complications [2-6]:

Maternal risks [2]:

  • Protracted labor
  • Operative delivery
  • Genital tract lacerations
  • Uterine rupture
  • Postpartum hemorrhage

Fetal risks:

  • Shoulder dystocia leading to birth trauma (brachial plexus injury, fracture) or asphyxia [3]
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