EC Gynaecology

Background: Fetal macrosomia describes excessive intrauterine growth which leads to an increased birth weight. The limit which is set at a birth weight of ≥ 4000g regardless of gestational age is mostly used. There are many factors that affect fetal macrosomia. The aim of this study was to identify determinant factors of fetal macrosomia among neonates born in Nigest Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive specialized hospital, Wachemo university in 2020, South Ethiopia.

Methods: Unmatched case control study was employed from November 15 to December 15 2020. The required sample size was calculated using the EPI INFO tool. Total sample size was 284, with 71 cases and 213 controls. The data was collected from cases and controls by using the consecutive sampling technique until the desired sample size was reached. The data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 statistical software for windows analysis.

Result: A total of 279 participants (71 cases and 213 controls) were participated in the study. Mean age was 27.3 years, 80.3% of the mothers were married and 21.5% mothers were housewives. 80.6% mothers gave birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery 29.4% of women claimed they experienced a complication during their pregnancy and 42.3% of the newborns were males. The level of macrosomia was 24.7%. In multivariate logistic regression complications during pregnancy [7.24 (95% CI: 2.74 - 19.11)], parity (primipara [0.3 [95% CI: 0.11 - 0.84], multipara 0.1 [95% CI: 0.037 - 0.294]), and newborn sex (male) [2.23 (95% CI: 1.15 - 4.31)] were significantly and independently associated with macrosomic birth.

Conclusion: The prevalence of fetal macrosomia was 24.7%. This is relatively higher figure from other study area findings. Factors that affect macrosomic birth were complications during pregnancy, parity (primipara and multipara), and newborn sex (male). Obstetric care providers should assess those pregnant women with complications and pregnant women with male sex newborn for history of fetal macrosomia which would help them to be prepared for the managements of maternal and perinatal complications. Health professionals should have to give proper health education on the identified determinant factors for the community.

 Keywords: Fetal Macrosomia; Birth Weight; Pregnancy

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