Fetal macrosomia at Dhofar

ABSTRACT

The incidence of macrosomic births in Dhofar is 7.5%. The mean age, parity, height and weight of the women with macrosomic babies was 30.4 +/- 6.1; 6.2 +/- 3.4; 158.8 +/- 6.0 and 92.4 +/- 16.3 respectively, compared to 25.9 +/- 6.2; 3.7 +/- 3.4; 156.0 +/- 5.3 and 74.2 +/- 15.1 respectively of that of controls. About 60% of the women were obese and 20% were diabetic. Duration of labour was not significantly different from the controls. About 13% of babies weighing 4000 grams and 35% of the babies weighing more than 4500 grams required Caesarean section for delivery. Cephalopelvic disproportion and/or failure of progress were the commonest indications. Infants weighting more than 4500 grams fared worse during the time of delivery, with birth asphyxia in 10-13%, shoulder dystocia in 8.5% and fractures or meconium aspiration in 2.5%. Apart from increased perineal tears, the mother did not suffer from any morbidity