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Macrosomia: a case-control study of risk factors and outcome
Abstract
Background: Macrosomia is associated with increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and assess impact of macrosomia on maternal and perinatal outcome.
Methods: A five-year retrospective case-control study was undertaken at a referral centre. Macrosomia was defined as a birth weight greater than or equal to 4.0kg.
Results: The incidence of macrosomia was 5.2%. Macrosomia was associated with multiparity, excessive maternal weight or body mass index at the end of pregnancy, increased maternal height, longer duration of pregnancy and infant of male sex. Increasing maternal age was not a risk factor. Maternal and perinatal complications associated with macrosomia were postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, birth asphyxia and stillbirths. Macrosomic babies were also more likely to be delivered by caesarean section.
Conclusion: Macrosomia is associated with recognizable risk factors but these are not sufficient to recommend recourse to elective caesarean section. Close monitoring in labour and early recourse to caesarean section would improve perinatal outcome.
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 97-106
Methods: A five-year retrospective case-control study was undertaken at a referral centre. Macrosomia was defined as a birth weight greater than or equal to 4.0kg.
Results: The incidence of macrosomia was 5.2%. Macrosomia was associated with multiparity, excessive maternal weight or body mass index at the end of pregnancy, increased maternal height, longer duration of pregnancy and infant of male sex. Increasing maternal age was not a risk factor. Maternal and perinatal complications associated with macrosomia were postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, birth asphyxia and stillbirths. Macrosomic babies were also more likely to be delivered by caesarean section.
Conclusion: Macrosomia is associated with recognizable risk factors but these are not sufficient to recommend recourse to elective caesarean section. Close monitoring in labour and early recourse to caesarean section would improve perinatal outcome.
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 97-106
