Pregnancy and delivery outcomes in fetal macrosomia (birth weight exceeding 5,000 g).

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the association between fetal macrosomia (>5,000 g) and pregnancy and birth outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from the perinatal survey of Lower Saxony, Germany (2001-2009).

RESULTS

Pregnancies complicated by advanced maternal age (>35 years), elevated BMI (>25.0), and excessive gestational weight gain were significantly more likely to result in macrosomic births. Additionally, pregnancies involving macrosomic fetuses were characterized by prolonged gestation and an increased likelihood of cesarean delivery. Neonates with macrosomia exhibited significantly lower Apgar scores at 1, 5, and 10 min (<7) compared to the control group (<5,000 g), though umbilical artery pH values did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for targeted prenatal monitoring and risk assessment in pregnancies predisposed to fetal macrosomia.