Induction of labor at or near term for women with a baby of suspected macrosomia has been proposed as a treatment method, as it stops fetal growth and results in babies with a lower birth weight, fewer bone fractures, and less incidence of shoulder dystocia. However, this method could increase the number of women with perineal tears, and failed inductions can prompt the need for emergency cesarean sections.<unk>  babies are more than two times likely to be delivered by Cesarean section, compared to infants under 4000 grams (below the threshold of macrosomia). Predicting a baby’s weight can be inaccurate and women could be worried unnecessarily, and request their labor to be induced without a medical reason. Doctors disagree whether women should be induced for suspected macrosomia and more research is needed to find out what is best for women and their babies. Elective cesarean section has also been presented as a potential delivery method for infants of suspected macrosomia, as it can serve to prevent possible birth trauma. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that cesarean delivery should only be considered if the fetus is an estimated weight of at least 5,000 grams in non-diabetic mothers and at least 4,500 grams in diabetic mothers. A number needed to treat analysis determined that approximately 3,700 women with suspected fetal macrosomia would have to undergo an unnecessary cesarean section in order to prevent one incident of brachial plexus injuries secondary to shoulder dystocia. Management of gestational diabetes through dietary modifications and anti-diabetic medications has been shown to decrease the incidence of<unk> . The use of metformin to control maternal blood glucose levels has shown to be more effective than using insulin alone in reducing the likelihood of fetal macrosomia. There is a 20% lower chance of having an<unk>  baby when using metformin to manage diabetes compared to using insulin. Modifiable risk factors that increase the incidence of<unk>  births, such as gestational weight gain above recommended BMI guidelines, can be managed with lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a balanced diet and exercising. Such interventions can help mothers achieve the recommended gestational weight and lower the incidence of fetal macrosomia in obese and overweight women. The World Health Organization also recommends that mothers aim for their recommended BMI prior to conception. In general, obese mothers or women with excessive gestational weight gain may have higher risk of pregnancy complications (ranging from<unk> , shoulder dystocia, etc.).
Large for gestational age
Small for gestational age
Low Birth Weight
Breech birth
Vanishing twin
Low birth weight
Fetal hydantoin syndrome
Neonatal hypocalcemia