What is Macrosomia?

The term Macrosomia means an infant is abnormally large at birth. It seen in nearly 10% of all births. Commonly seen in women with gestational diabetes, macrosomia can pose several risks to both the baby and mother at the time of delivery.

Macrosomia Caused by Gestational Diabetes

Macrosomia is most often seen in women with gestational diabetes due to high sugar levels. Just as high sugar levels cause the mother to gain weight, it also causes the unborn child to gain weight. The best way to avoid macrosomia due to gestational diabetes is to monitor sugar levels and avoid sugary foods that will create a spike in insulin and cause weight gain.

Other Causes of Macrosomia

In addition to gestational diabetes, macrosomia is also known to be related to mothers who are obese, who have an extensive amount of weight gain during pregnancy, being over-do, and genetics.

Women who are obese or put on large amounts of weight during pregnancy are at a higher risk for giving birth to an infant with macrosomia. To help avoid macrosomia, try to maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. Doing so will also help reduce other risk factors associated with obesity and pregnancy.

Macrosomia is related to genetics due to the fact that mothers who have had large newborns in the past will usually have large babies in the future. Women of Hispanic origin are more likely to have a newborn with macrosomia than any other race. In addition to macrosomia history and Hispanic origin, male newborns have a greater risk of macrosomia then females.

Risks Associated with Macrosomia

The risks associated with macrosomia can affect both the infant and the mother. The effects on the mother can include perinea tearing and increased need for an episiotomy, damage to the tailbone, severe hemorrhage, tearing of the birth canal, required c-section, and extended recovery time.

Macrosomia can cause infants to have Shoulder Dystocia, respiratory problems, increased and decreased heart rates, and getting stuck in the birth canal.

How to Diagnosis Macrosomia

There is no way to diagnosis macrosomia until the infant is born. Actual birth weight is the only way to diagnosis birth weight. Usually ranging in the area of 9 pounds or greater put a child in the macrosomia bracket. However, doctors can do an ultrasound during the final 5 weeks of pregnancy to determine if the fetus is larger than normal, putting it at risk for macrosomia. Taking measurements of the fetus in utero can help determining the risk of macrosomia and whether or not a cesarean section may be required.

If you are at risk of macrosomia your doctor will most likely make you aware. During the final stages of pregnancy doctors are usually aware of any signs that may warrant taking extra precautions for the health of you and your baby. Be sure to discuss any concerns about macrosomia with your doctor as all cases vary by the mother and child.

Source:

Allahyar Jazayeri, eMedicine at WebMD.com
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