Macrosomic Newborn Anthropometric Parameters and the Mode of Delivery

Abstract

Macrosomia is defined as a newborn weighing 4000 g and above. Its incidence varies between 2% to 15% in recent publications. The morbidity and mortality are still high in Sub Saharan Africa. The mode of delivery of the macrosomic fetus remains a challenging moment in obstetrics even today. The objective of this study was to assess the relation between macrosomic newborn anthropometrics parameters and the mode of delivery. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted from November 4th, 2013 to June 4th, 2014. All macrosomic newborn defined as birth weight ≥ 4000 g taken at the moment of delivery were included. Those born through an elective caesarian section or dead before maternal admission were excluded, so were mothers with a true conjugate <10.5 cm. Newborn anthropometric data were assessed according to the mode of delivery and maternofetal outcome. We used X2 for statistical analysis. The incidence was high, 7.68% (77/1002). Many macrosomia contributing factors like maternal age, parity, obesity, previous delivery of the macrosomic baby and male newborn were frequent in the study population. Maternal and fetal complications were rare. The frequency of vaginal delivery was 71.4% and the mode of delivery was not related to newborn weight, but rather to a new parameter, the newborn length, and the cut-off point was a newborn length of 53 cm. Macrosomic baby measuring 53 cm and above were more likely to be born vaginally whereas a length less than 53 increased the frequency of delivery by caesarian section (P=0.0001).