Foetal macrosomia: a continuing perinatal challenge

ABSTRACT

The incidence of foetal macrosomia at the Mount Hope Maternity Hospital is 0.34 per cent. Predisposing factors include obesity, excessive weight-gain and a family history of multiple pregnancies or diabetes mellitus. Prlonged labour, perineal laceration and post-partum haemorrhage are the chief maternal complications. The main danger to the foetus is shoulder dystocia, the occurence of which can be minimised by employing ultrasound antenatally for accurate detection of the macrosomic infant and a more liberal use of elective Caesarean section (AU)