Fetal macrosomia and pregnancy outcome in Lagos

In an analysis of 6376 singleton births the prevalence of macrosomia was 4.9%; the attending perinatal mortality was 58/1000 compared to 18/1000 in controls. Eighty-three percent perinatal deaths occurred in unbooked patients after prolonged and neglected labor. Mortality and morbidity were weight related; the macrosomic baby delivered by section or by diabetic mother or that died was significantly heavier. There was strong association between maternal age, parity, diabetes, mild hypertension, previous history of a big baby and macrosomia in this study. Pregnancy was significantly prolonged with higher incidence of emergency sections and primary postpartum hemorrhage in mothers of macrosomic babies. Fetal sex does not appear to be an important factor in macrosomia.