Macrosomic Births Research Articles

Vaginal versus caesarean delivery in fetal macrosomia-aretrospective cohort study.

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of macrosomic births over a5-year period and to examine the childbirth complications for both mother and newborn. During the study period there were atotal of 16,126 deliveries, of which 1905 were macrosomic fetuses (defined as those with abirthweight of 4000 g or more). Data on the course of pregnancy and childbirth were collected from existing maternal and peripartum medical records. Patients were divided into two groups: those who delivered vaginally and those who delivered by caesarean section. The groups were compared in terms of obstetric, fetal, and neonatal data as well as perinatal outcomes. We included 1905women in the study, 1286 (67.5%) with vaginal delivery and 619 (32.4%) with caesarean section. Primiparous women more frequently delivered by caesarean section, whereas multiparous women more commonly delivered vaginally (p < 0.00001). Male fetuses were significantly more prevalent in both examined groups. Risk factors for fetal macrosomia, such as gestational diabetes, maternal obesity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, polyhydramnios, and multiparity, were significantly more prevalent in the group with caesarean section (p < 0.00001). Delivery complications such as dorsoposterior presentation of the fetal head; fetal asphyxia, dystocia, and cephalopelvic disproportion; and uterine rupture were statistically significantly more frequent with caesarean section CONCLUSION: Our data show that caesarean deliveries for fetal macrosomia were associated with more maternal and neonatal complications than vaginal deliveries.

RISK FACTORS, MATERNAL, AND PERINATAL OUTCOME OF FETAL MACROSOMIA

Objective: Macrosomia is characterized by a birth weight exceeding 4000 g, regardless of gestational age, or &gt;90th percentile for gestational age. This condition is linked to significant risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Globally, the prevalence of infants weighing ≥4000 g is estimated to be 9%. Various risk factors contribute to the development of fetal macrosomia, including a high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), excessive weight gain during the antenatal period, high parity, male gender of the fetus, prolonged pregnancy, and maternal diabetes mellitus. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at GIMSR Teaching Hospital, over a 5-year period from May 2018 to May 2023. The study encompassed all singleton pregnancies with a birth weight equal to or exceeding 4000 g, irrespective of the delivery method. Maternal and neonatal records for the study population were systematically collected, and data were documented. Results: Throughout the study duration, there were 167 cases where the birth weight equalled or exceeded 4,000 g. Most common maternal complication was prolonged labor and postpartum hemorrhage. Shoulder dystocia was seen in 2.9% of all deliveries and 10.8% of all vaginal deliveries. Most common neonatal complication was hypoglycemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of macrosomia in our study was 3.86%. Main risk factors identified in our study were male gender, pre pregnancy BMI &gt;25, previous macrosomic births, and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

1049-P: Outcomes for Macrosomic Births by Maternal Diabetes Status

Objective: To determine obstetric outcomes by birthweight (BW) among individuals with and without diabetes mellitus (gestational or pre-existing diabetes) in pregnancy. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study of singleton, non-anomalous, live births in the U.S. from 2012-2018 registered in the National Vital Statistics System. Infants weighing &amp;gt; 3,000g at 37-42 week gestation were included. BW was stratified into four categories: 3,000-3,999g, 4,000-4,499g, 4,500-4,999g and ≥5,000g. Association of BW with outcomes was examined among women with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) . Chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for statistical comparisons. Results: Of 18,397,3deliveries included in this analysis, 6.3% had DM. Higher BW were associated with higher odds of cesarean delivery, maternal blood transfusion, anal sphincter injury, APGAR &amp;lt;7 at 5 minutes, NICU admission, and assisted ventilation. At ≥5,000g, there were higher odds of neonatal seizures and death. Although findings among pregnant persons without DM were similar, the strength of association for most adverse perinatal outcomes was greater among persons with DM. Conclusion: Fetal macrosomia is associated with significant adverse perinatal outcomes, with even greater odds among deliveries impacted by maternal DM. Prenatal intervention studies to optimize pregnancy health are necessary to improve perinatal outcomes. Disclosure K.Fitch: None. A.R.Hersh: None. B.Garg: None. A.M.Valent: None.

Predictability of Macrosomic Birth based on Maternal Factors and Fetal Aneuploidy Screening Biochemical Markers in Hyperglycemic Mothers.

Background: Macrosomic birth weight has been implicated as a significant risk factor for developing various adult metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and coronary heart diseases; it has also been associated with higher incidences of complicated births. This study aimed to examine the predictability of macrosomic births in hyperglycemic pregnant women using maternal clinical characteristics and serum biomarkers of aneuploidy screening performed in the first half of pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of 1,668 pregnant women who 1) had positive outcomes after undergoing 50-g oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) at two university-based hospitals and 2) underwent any one of the following maternal biomarker screening tests for fetal aneuploidy: triple test, quadruple test, and integrated test. Logistic regression-based models for predicting macrosomic births using maternal characteristics and serum biomarkers were developed and evaluated for prediction power. A nomogram, which is a graphical display of the best predictable model, was then generated.Results: The study cohort included 157 macrosomic birth cases defined as birth weight ≥3,820 g, which was equivalent to the top 10 percentile of the modeling cohort. Three primary models solely based on serum biomarkers achieved area under curves (AUCs) of 0.55-0.62. Expanded models, including maternal demographic and clinical factors, demonstrated an improved performance by 25% (AUCs, 0.69-0.73).Conclusion: Our prediction models will help to identify pregnancies with an elevated risk of macrosomic births in hyperglycemic mothers using maternal clinical factors and serum markers from routine antenatal screening tests. Prediction of macrosomic birth at mid-pregnancy may allow customized antenatal care to reduce the risk of macrosomic births.

Association between parity and macrosomia in Shaanxi Province of Northwest China

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between parity and macrosomia and provide the necessary reference for the maternal and children health service.MethodA cross-sectional epidemiological survey with the purpose to assess the birth outcomes was conducted in Shaanxi province, China.ResultsThe incidence of macrosomia in multiparas was higher than that in primiparas. Univariate analysis showed that maternal age < 25 years, peasant/housework, living in rural areas and female infants were the protective factors of macrosomia. The possibility of having a macrosomic infant also increased with gestational age, maternal education level, household wealth index, living in Central Shaanxi and gestational diabetes. The generalized linear mixed models represented the association between parity and macrosomia. After adjusting for statistically significant factors in univariate analysis from model 1 to model 3, the risk of being born macrosomia was 1.26 times higher for a multipara compared to that for a primipara.ConclusionsPresent study indicated parity of two children was associated with increased risk for macrosomic births compared with parity of one child. Compared to primiparas, multiparas should far strengthen the pre-pregnancy education and the guidance during pregnancy to control pre-pregnancy body mass index and pregnancy weight, and keep the appropriate exercise and balanced diet.

Maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWe systematically reviewed and chronicled exposures and outcomes measured in the maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and quantitatively summarized the weighted effect estimates between maternal obesity and (1) cesarean section (CS) and (2) fetal macrosomia.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases up to 30 June 2019. We considered all maternal and birth cohort studies conducted in the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE)). We categorized cohort studies on the basis of the exposure(s) (anthropometric, environmental, medical, maternal/reproductive, perinatal, or socioeconomic) and outcome(s) (maternal or birth) being measured. Adjusted weighted effect estimates, in the form of relative risks, between maternal obesity and CS and fetal macrosomia were generated using a random-effects model.ResultsOf 3502 citations, 81 published cohort studies were included. One cohort study was in Bahrain, eight in Kuwait, seven in Qatar, six in Oman, 52 in Saudi Arabia, and seven in the UAE. Majority of the exposures studied were maternal/reproductive (65.2%) or medical (39.5%). Birth and maternal outcomes were reported in 82.7% and in 74.1% of the cohort studies, respectively. In Saudi Arabia, babies born to obese women were at a higher risk of macrosomia (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.20; I2 = 50%) or cesarean section (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15–1.26; I2 = 62.0%). Several cohort studies were only descriptive without reporting the magnitude of the effect estimate between the assessed exposures and outcomes.ConclusionsCohort studies in the GCC have predominantly focused on reproductive and medical exposures. Obese pregnant women are at an increased risk of undergoing CS delivery or macrosomic births. Longer-term studies that explore a wider range of environmental and biological exposures and outcomes relevant to the GCC region are needed.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017068910

Macrosomia and psychiatric risk in adolescence.

The prenatal environment can exert important effects on mental health. While much research has linked low birth weight to psychopathology, the intrauterine environment associated with high birth weight (macrosomia; > 4000g) is also sub-optimal and may increase risk. Given the increasing prevalence of macrosomic births, understanding the mental health outcomes of infants born macrosomic can help refine theories of etiology, predict disorder, and target preventive interventions. Using data from the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study (OCHS), we examined the risk for psychiatric disorders in adolescents born macrosomic. Youth (N = 2151) aged 12-17years completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID). Rates of common mental disorders assessed by the MINI-KID were compared between those born at normal birth weight (NBW; 2500-4000g, n = 1817) and adolescents born macrosomic (> 4000g, n = 334). These associations were then adjusted for participant age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) of the family, parental mental health, and gestational diabetes mellitus. After adjustment for covariates, adolescents born macrosomic had higher odds of conduct disorder (CD; OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.37-7.43), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD; OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.11-2.91), and ADHD (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.21-2.80). Moderation analyses revealed that males born macrosomic were more likely to have psychiatric problems than their female peers. Socioeconomic disadvantage also amplified the risk posed by macrosomia for ODD, ADHD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. In this study, macrosomia was associated with an increased risk of clinically significant externalizing problems in adolescence, most notably among boys and those facing socioeconomic disadvantage.

A one-year review of macrosomic births at the Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aim To identify a rate of macrosomic births in a one-year review, associated maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome. Methods This one-year retrospective review included all macrosomic deliveries at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Cantonal Hospital Zenica between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. The data were collected from maternal and newborn medical records. A total of 361 singleton normal birth weight term newborns (birth weight <4000 g, but not small for gestational age) who were delivered in the same period, represented the control group. Results Among the total of 2758 women who gave birth, 360 (13.05%) macrosomic infants (birth weight more than 4000 g) were delivered. Mean birth weight was 4258.90 g (maximum 5460g); nine (0.33%) were >5000g. Male macrosomic infants were more frequently represented, 245 (68,1%) comparing to the control group (p<0.01); in the control group female infants were more frequently represented (p<0.01). The overall Cesarean section rate, including elective Cesarean delivery was 23.2%, and 76.1% underwent an attempt of labour delivered vaginally. Conclusion Macrosomia represents a risk for adverse outcome for the mother and neonate, with a higher risk for the operative mode of delivery.

Trends in maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and its association with birth and maternal outcomes in California, 2007–2016: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo determine recent trends in maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and to quantify its association with birth and maternal outcomes.MethodsA population-based retrospective cohort study included resident women with singleton births in the California Birth Statistical Master Files (BSMF) database from 2007 to 2016. There were 4,621,082 women included out of 5,054,968 women registered in the database. 433,886 (8.6%) women were excluded due to invalid or missing information for BMI. Exposures were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2) at the onset of pregnancy. Obesity was subcategorized into class I (30.0–34.9 kg/m2), class II (35.0–39.9 kg/m2), and class III (≥ 40 kg/m2), while adverse outcomes examined were low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), macrosomic births, preterm birth (PTB), very preterm birth (VPTB), small-for-gestational-age birth (SGA), large-for-gestational-age birth (LGA), and cesarean delivery (CD). Descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multivariate logistic regression were performed, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations were estimated.ResultsOver the ten-year study period, the prevalence of underweight and normal weight women at time of birth declined by 10.6% and 9.7%, respectively, while the prevalence of overweight and obese increased by 4.3% and 22.9%, respectively. VLBW increased significantly with increasing BMI, by 24% in overweight women and by 76% in women with class III obesity from 2007 to 2016. Women with class III obesity also had a significant increase in macrosomic birth (170%) and were more likely to deliver PTB (33%), VPTB (66%), LGA (231%), and CD (208%) than women with a normal BMI. However, obese women were less likely to have SGA infants; underweight women were 51% more likely to have SGA infants than women with a normal BMI.ConclusionsIn California from 2007 to 2016, there was a declining trend in women with prepregnancy normal weight, and a rising trend in overweight and obese women, particularly obesity class III. Both extremes of prepregnancy BMI were associated with an increased incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes; however, the worse outcomes were prominent in those women classified as obese.

Macrosomic Newborns Delivered at Term after Labor among Nondiabetic Women: Maternal and Neonatal Morbidities.

This study aimed to compare morbidities among nonmacrosomic versus macrosomic singleton live births of nondiabetic women who labored. This retrospective study utilized the 2003 revision of U.S. birth certificate data of singleton live births (2011-2013) at 37 to 41 weeks who labored. The primary outcomes were composite maternal and neonatal morbidities (CMM and CNM, respectively). We compared these outcomes by birth weight, 2,500 to 3,999 g (group 1; reference), 4,000 to 4,449 g (group 2), and 4,500 to 5,999 g (group 3). We used multivariable Poisson regression analyses to examine the association between birth weight groups and the outcomes. Among 6,691,338 live births, 92.0% were in group 1, 7.1% in group 2, and 0.9% in group 3. The overall CMM and CNM rates were 4.4 and 6.8 per 1,000 live births, respectively. Compared with group 1, the risk of CMM was significantly higher in group 2 (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-1.56) and group 3 (aRR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.82-2.19). Likewise, the risk of CNM was significantly higher in group 2 (aRR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.33-1.43) and group 3 (aRR = 2.57; 95% CI: 2.40-2.75) than in group 1. Nondiabetic women who labor with a macrosomic newborns have a significantly higher rate of adverse outcomes than nonmacrosomic.

Trends in the Prevalence of Live Macrosomic Newborns According to Gestational Age Strata, in Brazil, 2001-2010, and 2012-2014.

Purpose To describe the trends in the prevalence of macrosomia (birth weight ≥ 4,000 g) according to gestational age in Brazil in the periods of 2001-2010 and 2012-2014. Methods Ecological study with data from the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC, in the Portuguese acronym) regarding singleton live newborns born from 22 gestational weeks. The trends in Brazil as a whole and in each of its five regions were analyzed according to preterm (22-36 gestational weeks) and term (37-42 gestational weeks) strata. Annual Percent Changes (APCs) based on the Prais-Winsten method and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to verify statistically significant changes in 2001-2010. Results In Brazil, the prevalence of macrosomic births was of 5.3% (2001-2010) and 5.1% (2012-2014). The rates were systematically higher in the North and Northeast Regions both in the preterm and in term strata. In the preterm stratum, the North Region presented the highest variation in the prevalence of macrosomia (+137.5%) when comparing 2001 (0.8%) to 2010 (1.9%). In the term stratum, downward trends were observed in Brazil as a whole and in every region. The trends for 2012-2014 were more heterogeneous, with the prevalence systematically higher than that observed for 2001-2010. The APC in the preterm stratum (2001-2010) showed a statistically significant trend change in the North (APC: 15.4%; 95%CI: 0.6-32.3) and South (APC: 13.5%; 95%CI: 4.8-22.9) regions. In the term stratum, the change occurred only in the North region (APC:-1.5%; 95%CI: -2.5--0.5). Conclusion The prevalence of macrosomic births in Brazil was higher than 5.0%. Macrosomia has potentially negative health implications for both children and adults, and deserves close attention in the public health agenda in Brazil, as well as further support for investigation and intervention.

Macrosomic births in abuja: A case-control study of predisposing factors and early neonatal outcome.

Although research has shown that having a macrosomic fetus could be predictive of a negative pregnancy outcome, the factors that control its incidence and the outcome of delivery management have been less well characterized in Africa. The aim of this study was to identify specific predispositions and the factors that influence the early neonatal outcome of macrosomic infants in Abuja. Data from 120 mother and macrosomic (weighing ≥4000 g) newborn pairs, and an equal number of mother and normal weight (2500-3999 g) matched controls, delivered over a 5-month period at three large hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria, were analyzed. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed for various predisposing factors and neonatal outcomes of macrosomic births. The incidence of macrosomia was 77 per 1000 births. Independent predictors of macrosomia were parental high social class (P = 0.000), gestational weight gain of ≥15 kg (P = 0.000), and previous history of macrosomia (P = 0.002). The most frequent route of delivery was emergency cesarean section accounting for 51 (42%) births. Macrosomia was significantly associated with higher rates of birth injuries (P = 0.030), perinatal asphyxia (P = 0.015), admissions into the special care newborn unit (P = 0.000), and hypoglycemia (P = 0.000). Although the difference in the early neonatal mortality rates between the macrosomic group (2.5%) and the control group (0.8%) was not statistically significant, nearly 70% of deaths in the macrosomic group were associated with severe perinatal asphyxia. Our findings highlight the need for improved anticipatory care of the macrosomic fetus at delivery, in Africa.

Macrosomic Births in a Tertiary Public Hospital: A Survey of Maternal Characteristics and Fetal Outcome.

Macrosomic fetuses are high risk with their delivery process being associated with potential risk to both mother and baby The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of macrosomic births and the associated maternal characteristics and to ascertain the fetal outcome. It was a retrospective survey of maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome of macrosomic births. Comparison was made with the next selected normal birth weight delivery during the study period. There were 8607 deliveries during the period (3 years) reviewed. Of this, 306 were macrosomic deliveries, a frequency of 3.6%. The mean weight for macrosomic babies was 4.23kg (range 4.01 - 5.62kg). There was a higher mean maternal weight and gestational age of mothers with macrosomic deliveries compared to mothers in the control group, (85.87 ± 19.39kg vs 74.92 ± 19.11kg P<0.01; and 41.51±1.46 vs 39.02±1.29, P<0.001). Caesarean delivery was significantly associated with macrosomic births compared to controls, p<0.0001, odds ratio 3.977. Also, asphyxia and shoulder dystocia occurred more in macrosomic babies, 10.4% vs 2.9% and 2.28% vs 0.65%, P<0.001. The majority of the asphyxiated babies amongst macroomic births were following vagina delivery compared to caesarean delivery, (65.6% vs 34.4%) p= 0.001. There were 3 cases of still birth in the macrosomic deliveries, but no maternal deaths were encountered. Macrosomic births could be tragic. Although delivery outcome seems better with a caesarean section, good fetal outcome can only be assured on the premise of astute labour and delivery management.

Macrosomia, shoulder dystocia and elongation of the brachial plexus: what is the role of caesarean section?

L'accouchement d'un fœtus macrosome est un accouchement à haut risque de complications maternofoetales. La dystocie des épaules reste la complication fœtale la plus redoutée, amenant au recours, parfois démesuré, à la césarienne. L'objectif de ce travail est d'évaluer l'intérêt de cette césarienne préventive. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à propos de 400 accouchements de fœtus macrosomes survenus entre Février 2010 et Décembre 2012. Nous avons aussi identifié les cas de nouveau-nés ayant eu une dystocie des épaules pendant l'année 2012 ainsi que leur poids de naissance respectifs. Les fœtus macrosomes ont pesé entre 4000g et 4500g dans 86,25% des cas et entre 4500 et 5000 dans 12,25% des cas. L'accouchement était par voie basse dans 68% des cas. Parmi les 400 accouchements de macrosomes, 9 cas de dystocie des épaules ont été enregistrés (2,25%). Tous ces cas sont survenus lors d'accouchements par voie basse. Le risque de dystocie des épaules lors d'un accouchement par voie basse a augmenté de façon significative avec l'augmentation du poids à la naissance (p<10-4). Le risque d'élongation du plexus brachial était de 11 pour mille accouchements de macrosomes par voie basse. Ce risque n'était pas corrélé au poids de naissance (p=0,38). Le risque de séquelles post-traumatiques était de 0,71%. La dystocie des épaules a concerné un fœtus macrosome dans 58 % des cas. La dystocie des épaules n'est pas une complication exclusivement associée à la macrosomie. Le dépistage des accouchements à risque et le renforcement de la formation des obstétriciens sur les manœuvres à réaliser en cas de dystocie des épaules semblent être les meilleurs moyens pour éviter ses complications.

Born Large for Gestational Age: Bigger Is Not Always Better

Born Large for Gestational Age: Bigger Is Not Always Better

Prevalence of abnormal birth weight and related factors in Northern region, Ghana.

BackgroundBirth weight is a crucial determinant of the development potential of the newborn. Abnormal newborn weights are associated with negative effects on the health and survival of the baby and the mother. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of abnormal birth weight and related factors in Northern region, Ghana.MethodsThe study was a facility-based cross-sectional survey in five hospitals in Northern region, Ghana. These hospitals were selected based on the different socio-economic backgrounds of their clients. The data on birth weight and other factors were derived from hospital records.ResultsIt was observed that low birth weight is still highly prevalent (29.6 %), while macrosomia (10.5 %) is also increasingly becoming important. There were marginal differences in low birth weight observed across public hospitals but marked difference in low birth weight was observed in Cienfuegos Suglo Specialist Hospital (Private hospital) as compared to the public hospitals. The private hospital also had the highest prevalence of macrosomia (20.1 %). Parity (0–1) (p < 0.001), female gender (p < 0.001) and location (rural) (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased risk of macrosomic births. On the other hand, female infant sex (p < 0.001), residential status (rural) (p < 0.001) and parity (0–1) (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of low birth weigh.ConclusionsOur findings show that under nutrition (low birth weight) and over nutrition (macrosomia) coexist among infants at birth in Northern region reflecting the double burden of malnutrition phenomenon, which is currently being experienced by developing and transition counties. Both low birth weight and macrosomia are risk factors, which could contribute considerably to the current and future burden of diseases. This may overstretch the already fragile health system in Ghana. Therefore, it is prudent to recommend that policies aiming at reducing diet related diseases should focus on addressing malnutrition during pregnancy and early life.

Health economic modeling to assess short-term costs of maternal overweight, gestational diabetes, and related macrosomia – a pilot evaluation

Background: Despite the interest in the impact of overweight and obesity on public health, little is known about the social and economic impact of being born large for gestational age or macrosomic. Both conditions are related to maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and associated with increased morbidity for mother and child in the perinatal period. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy, pre- pregnancy maternal obesity and/or excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy are associated with intermittent periods of fetal exposure to hyperglycemia and subsequent hyperinsulinemia, leading to increased birth weight (e.g., macrosomia), body adiposity, and glycogen storage in the liver. Macrosomia is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life.Objective: Provide insight in the short-term health-economic impact of maternal overweight, GDM, and related macrosomia. To this end, a health economic framework was designed. This pilot study also aims to encourage further health technology assessments, based on country- and population-specific data.Results: The estimation of the direct health-economic burden of maternal overweight, GDM and related macrosomia indicates that associated healthcare expenditures are substantial. The calculation of a budget impact of GDM, based on a conservative approach of our model, using USA costing data, indicates an annual cost of more than $1,8 billion without taking into account long-term consequences.Conclusion: Although overweight and obesity are a recognized concern worldwide, less attention has been given to the health economic consequences of these conditions in women of child-bearing age and their offspring. The presented outcomes underline the need for preventive management strategies and public health interventions on life style, diet and physical activity. Also, the predisposition in people of Asian ethnicity to develop diabetes emphasizes the urgent need to collect more country-specific data on the incidence of macrosomic births and health outcomes. In addition, it would be of interest to further explore the long-term health economic consequences of macrosomia and related risk factors.

Yearly Trends in Fetal Macrosomia among Hospital Births in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Fetalmacrosomia is associated with higher risks of maternal and neonatal complications and with health risks in adulthood. Trends in fetal macrosomia could indicate fetal growth patterns and its knowledge could be useful for prenatalcare and maternal health education. The objective of the study was to describe the yearly trends in the prevalence of fetal macrosomia among singleton live term hospital births in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Routinely collected delivery data of three major maternity centres in Enugu were reviewed for the period January 2003 to December 2013. All singleton term live births that took place at the three centres during the study period were analysed and the yearly prevalences of fetal macrosomia were determined. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% level of confidence. A total of 22,628 singleton live term deliveries were studied. There were 2116 births of macrosomic babies giving a prevalence rate of 9.3% of singleton term deliveries. The mean weight of all macrosomic babies was 4.42kg ± 0.38. The prevalence rates of macrosomia showed a small, but significant decreasing trend over the period of study. The likelihood of fetal macrosomia was increased by male births (aOR 1.64, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 1.10, 3.20); postdate births (aOR 2.1, 95% C.I. 1.4, 4.1) and multiparity (aOR 8.0, 95% C.I. 3.2, 16.4). It was concluded that there was a decreasing trend in the prevalence of fetal macrosomia in the study centres,and factors such as the prevalences of male births, postdate pregnancies and multiparity could have influenced this, at least in part. However, population based studies incorporating prenatal weight and medical complication data would be needed to establish the factors responsible for the actual trend in macrosomic births in the general population in this area.

Macrosomia in 23 Developing Countries

Summary Background Macrosomia is a risk factor for adverse delivery outcomes. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and delivery outcomes of babies with macrosomia in 23 developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Methods We analysed data from WHO's Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health, which was a facility-based cross-sectional study that obtained data for women giving birth in 373 health facilities in 24 countries in Africa and Latin America in 2004–05, and in Asia in 2007–08. Facilities were selected by stratified multistage cluster sampling and women were recruited at admission for delivery. We extracted data from the medical records with a standardised questionnaire. We used logistic regression with random effects to assess the risk factors for macrosomia and the risks for caesarean section and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes (assessed by a composite score) in babies with the disorder. Findings Of 290 610 deliveries, we analysed data for 276 436 singleton livebirths or fresh stillbirths. Higher maternal age (20–34 years), height, parity, body-mass index, and presence of diabetes, post-term pregnancy, and male fetal sex were associated with a significantly increased risk of macrosomia. Macrosomia was associated with an increased risk of caesarean section because of obstructed labour and post-term pregnancy in all regions. Additionally, macrosomia was associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal birth outcomes in all regions, and of adverse perinatal outcomes only in Africa. Interpretation Increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in women of reproductive age in developing countries could be associated with a parallel increase in macrosomic births. The effect and feasibility of control of diabetes and preconception weight on macrosomia should be investigated in these settings. Furthermore, increased institutional delivery in countries where rates are low could be crucial to reduce macrosomia-associated morbidity and mortality. Funding None.

Technology and Pregnancy

Technology and Pregnancy