Fetal Macrosomia

Fetal macrosomia is a condition where your baby’s weight is in the top 10% of the stage of pregnancy you’re in. Delivering a large baby can be difficult, with more risk for vaginal tears or problems pushing your baby out. If your healthcare provider thinks that your baby is very big (more than 11 pounds, or more than 10 pounds if you have diabetes), a cesarean birth (C-section) may be the safest option.

How is delivery affected if my baby is too big?

Having a large baby can increase your risk for certain complications during childbirth. Some of the most common include:

• Injury to your birth canal, genital tract or perineum.
• Heavy bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage.
• Uterine rupture.
• Longer labor, especially during the pushing phase.
• Changes in your baby’s heart rate during labor.

Your baby is also at risk for complications. The most serious concern is shoulder dystocia. This happens when your baby’s head emerges, but its shoulders get stuck inside of your uterus. This is a serious situation that can occur with any delivery, but it’s more common with large babies. Your healthcare provider will monitor your labor for signs of shoulder dystocia, as well as a plan of action should it happen.

In newborns, shoulder dystocia can cause:

• Bone fractures (broken bones) in your baby.
• Brachial plexus injury (damage to their nerves that send signals to their arms).
• Brain damage.

Large newborn babies are also at risk for complications after delivery, including:

• High red blood cell count, which increases your baby’s risk of jaundice.
• Low blood sugar.
• Breathing problems.