Macrosomia
Macrosomia refers to a very large body size. It is often used to describe an oversized fetus.
Information
The most common cause of macrosomia is diabetes in the mother. Macrosomia can lead to injury during birth and a greater chance of a cesarean delivery (C-section).
Diabetes
A fetus (baby) of a mother with diabetes may be exposed to high blood sugar (glucose) levels throughout the pregnancy.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCesarean delivery
A C-section is the delivery of a baby by making an opening in the mother's lower belly area. It is also called a cesarean delivery.
References
Blickstein I, Perlman S, Hazon Y, Shinwell ES. Pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
Kintanar TA. Obstetric ultrasound. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 142.
Richards DS. Obstetric ultrasound: imaging, dating, growth, and anomaly. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.
Macrosomia is the condition of having an unusually large body. The body is in proportion, with the extremities and head also enlarged. Disorders that include this condition are gigantism and acromegaly.
Macrosomia
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Review Date: 11/6/2023
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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