Background:
Fetal macrosomia remains a considerable challenge in current obstetrics due to the fetal and maternal complications
associated with this condition.
Aim:
This study was designed to determine the prevalence of fetal macrosomia and associated fetal and
maternal morbidity and mortality in the Al Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods:
This register-based study was
conducted from January 1, 2011 through December 30, 2011 at the Maternity and Child Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Macrosomia
was defined as birth weight of 4 kg or greater. Malformed babies and those born dead were excluded.
Results:
The total number of
babies delivered was 9241; of these, 418 were macrosomic. Thus, the prevalence of fetal macrosomia was 4.5%. The most common
maternal complications were postpartum hemorrhage (5 cases, 1.2%), perineal tear (7 cases, 1.7%), cervical lacerations (3 cases, 0.7%),
and shoulder dystocia (40 cases, 9.6%) that resulted in 4 cases of Erb’s palsy (0.96%), and 6 cases of bone fractures (1.4%). The rate
of cesarean section among women delivering macrosomic babies was 47.6% (199), while 52.4% (219) delivered vaginally.
Conclusion:
Despite extensive efforts to reduce fetal and maternal complications associated with macrosomia, considerable fetal and maternal morbidity
remain associated with this condition.