The association of fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycaemia

Abstract

Background: The clinical management of fetal macrosomia in pregnant women poses a challenge for obstetricians globally. This has become increasingly important in recent times due to the rising incidence of this condition and its associated risks to both the mother  and infant, including birth injuries and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Objective: To investigate the association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and fetal macrosomia in a cohort of South African black non-diabetic women.

Methods: This retrospective study analysed the clinical outcomes of 415 macrosomic babies born to non-diabetic women between 2015  and 2016 at a regional hospital in Durban, South Africa.

Results: Of the 415 macrosomic babies, 52 had hypoglycaemia (<2.6 mmol/L). The prevalence rate of neonatal hypoglycaemia was  therefore 12.53%.

Conclusion: Neonatal hypoglycaemia is a common complication in babies with macrosomia born to black non-diabetic  South African pregnant women.