Risk factors and outcomes of fetal macrosomia in Iringa municipality hospitals: A case-control study

Background: Factors associated with fetal macrosomia include genetics, duration of gestation, and diabetes mellitus. This condition may lead to complications for both the mother and the neonate. Thus this study aims to determine risk factors and outcomes of fetal macrosomia in comparison to those in normal-weight neonates. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study involving 61 cases of neonates who weighed ≥ 4000g at birth and 122 controls who were neonates delivered on term with normal weight. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with fetal macrosomia. Results: The incidence of macrosomia was 3.26% in the Iringa municipality. Gestation age of ≥40 weeks (AOR 3.56, 95% CI= 1.65-7.69), and weight ≥80kgs post-delivery (AOR 10.22, 95% CI=2.74-38.12) were associated with delivery of macrosomia. Women with macrosomia had higher chances of prolonged labour, 2nd-degree perineal tear, and postpartum hemorrhage while their babies had hypoglycemia (AOR=8.65, 95%CI=3.23 – 23.17) compared to controls. Conclusions: Risk factors for fetal macrosomia included a gestation age of ≥ 40 weeks, and a mother weighing ≥ 80kgs post-delivery Macrosomia is an important cause of maternal and neonatal complications.