Analysis of early morbidity and outcomes in macrosomic newborns

Term macrosomic newborns (≥ 4000 g) born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation face greater risks of early neonatal morbidity and mortality than term infants with appropriate birth weights. Our study aimed to evaluate these outcomes specifically in term macrosomic newborns.

From January 2022 to June 2023, we included singleton live-born infants with a birth weight ≥ 2500 g who were delivered at 37-42 weeks of gestation. The study group consisted of newborns with a birth weight ≥ 4000 g, while the control group was comprised of newborns with a birth weight of 2500-3999 g. Clinical and demographic data were prospectively collected from patient records and stored in an electronic database.

Our study revealed a macrosomia frequency of 4.09% (43/1052). We identified a statistically significant positive correlation between maternal prepregnancy weight and neonatal birth weight (p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were notably higher in the study group during the initial 15 min after birth (p < 0.05). Blood glucose levels decreased significantly in the study group during the first hour after birth (p < 0.01). History of lack of prenatal follow-up (66.6%) and cephalopelvic disproportion were significantly more prevalent in the macrosomic group (p < 0.05). No significant disparities concerning other morbidities were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). No mortality was documented in our study.

We found that maternal prepregnancy weight demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with neonatal birth weight. Additionally, we noted a decrease in blood sugar levels during the first hour of life as birth weight increased, with significantly lower levels in the macrosomic group than in the control group. Furthermore, noninvasive arterial systolic/diastolic blood pressures measured within the first 15 min after birth in the delivery room were significantly higher in the macrosomic group than in the control group.