Related Experiment Videos
Fetal macrosomia--maternal risks and fetal outcome
A A Meshari1, S De Silva, I Rahman
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Maternal obesity, diabetes, and grand multiparity are key risks for fetal macrosomia (large babies). Management protocols are proposed to address risks like prolonged labor and shoulder dystocia in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Epidemiology
Background:
- Fetal macrosomia, defined as birth weight of 4000 g or more, presents significant risks to both mother and infant.
- Identifying maternal risk factors and understanding fetal outcomes are crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare macrosomic infants with appropriate weight infants.
- To identify maternal risk factors associated with fetal macrosomia.
- To determine fetal outcomes in cases of macrosomia.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 284 macrosomic infants and 284 appropriate weight term infants.
- Analysis of maternal medical history and delivery records.
- Assessment of fetal complications and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Major maternal risk factors identified include obesity, grand multiparity, diabetes mellitus, and postmaturity.
- Significant fetal risks observed were prolonged labor, shoulder dystocia, and birth injuries from instrumental delivery.
- Specific complications arose from mid-cavity arrest requiring intervention.
Conclusions:
- Maternal factors such as obesity, diabetes, and grand multiparity are strongly linked to fetal macrosomia.
- Fetal macrosomia increases the risk of prolonged labor, difficult delivery, and infant injury.
- A management protocol for fetal macrosomia is proposed to mitigate these risks.