Overview
Fetal macrosomia is a condition where a newborn is significantly larger than average, posing risks during childbirth and potentially impacting the baby's health post-delivery. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and management is crucial for expectant parents and healthcare providers.
Types of Fetal macrosomia
- Proportionate Macrosomia: In this type, the baby's body is uniformly larger.
- Disproportionate Macrosomia: Here, specific parts of the baby's body, such as the abdomen or shoulders, are excessively large.
Causes of Fetal macrosomia
- Maternal Factors: These include maternal obesity, diabetes (pre-existing or gestational), and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy.
- Genetic Factors: Family history of large birth weight babies.
- Fetal Factors: Conditions like fetal overgrowth syndrome.
Risk Factors of Fetal macrosomia
- Maternal diabetes
- Obesity
- Previous history of macrosomic baby
- Post-term pregnancy
- Excessive maternal weight gain.
Symptoms of Fetal macrosomia
1. Large Fundal Height: The uterus measures larger than expected for gestational age.
2. Increased Abdominal Girth: Maternal abdomen appears larger than typical for the pregnancy stage.
3. Difficulty in Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Due to excessive baby size.
Preventions of Fetal macrosomia
Preventing fetal macrosomia involves:
- Managing diabetes before and during pregnancy.
- Monitoring weight gain.
- Following a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen.
Diagnosis of Fetal macrosomia
- Ultrasound: Measures estimated fetal weight.
- Clinical Examination: Monitoring fundal height and maternal weight gain.
- Glucose Tolerance Test: Screening for gestational diabetes.
Treatment for Fetal macrosomia
- Monitoring: Regular prenatal check-ups to assess fetal growth.
- Induction of Labor: Depending on maternal and fetal health indicators.
- Cesarean Section: Recommended in cases of suspected complications during vaginal delivery.
When to seek medical attention ?
Seek medical advice if:
- Experiencing excessive fetal movements.
- Noticing rapid abdominal growth.
- Diagnosed with gestational diabetes or obesity.
