Thursday, June 11, 2009

Fetal Macrosomia: Big Baby Syndrome

pregnant, pregnancy
Macrosomia is a situation in which a fetus is strangely large, otherwise known as Big Baby Syndrome and/or Large for Gestational Age (LGA). They are born at the weight of at least 8 pounds, 13 ounces or more. The standard birth weight for a baby is about 7 pounds. Most babies with macrosomia are born full-term, but some instances may be born in pre-term.

A baby born with macrosomia is to be likely expected to experience low blood sugar, respiratory distress, and jaundice. They are also at an increased possibility of birth defects. Macrosomia occurs in more than 10% of all pregnancies, for a pregnant woman that has no proper diet and exercise. Complications include a greater risk of Cesarean delivery, damage to the birth canal, and harm to the fetus if delivered vaginally.

The most common cause of fetal macrosomia is diabetes in the mother (because the insulin can cross through the placenta, in which it metabolizes by the fetus). A risk factor is somewhat that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following risk factors include the chances of giving birth to a baby with LGA’s are: when the mother is having diabetes mellitus, mother and/or father of large size (prone for having diabetes) and excessive weight gain by the mother during pregnancy. Signs include: Birth weight of at least 8 pounds, 13 ounces to ten pounds or higher. Your medical doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical and pelvic examination.

Babies that are large for gestational age throughout the pregnancy can sometimes be seen during a routine ultrasound, although fetal weight estimations late in pregnancy are quite inaccurate. Your doctor will approximately measure the birth weight, and evaluate any dangers present for the mother and/or fetus. If the fetal macrosomia is significant enough to cause possible harm during a vaginal delivery, a Cesarean delivery may be scheduled. A cesarean delivery is recommended for fetuses that are too large to be safely delivered through the birth canal.

Feeding babies with LGA soon after birth is important to prevent low blood sugar in the baby. Macrosomia may not always be prevented, but if the mother maintains a healthy weight throughout her pregnancy, then it can help prevent a large fetus. For pregnant women with diabetes, strict control of blood sugar during pregnancy is extremely important to prevent macrosomia. Proper prenatal care can also help identify any health conditions in the mother that could cause harm to the fetus. Early findings of macrosomia can prevent complications during delivery.


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