Second trimester fetal abdominal circumference measurement in prediction of large for gestational age neonates at birth

Abstract

Fetal macrosomia is defined by most sources as a birth weight more than 4 kg, while large for gestational age (LGA) is defined as a newborn whose weight is more than the 90th centile. Fetal macrosomia prevalence varies worldwide based on a broad range of factors, including as heredity, ethnicity, nutritional condition, and physiological and pathological variables. Fetal macrosomia has been reported to be more common in developed nations, with an increase of 15–20%. This is likely due to the rise in maternal obesity and diabetes mellitus, but the exact percentages vary between countries.Both maternal and fetal risk factors contribute to the basic pathophysiology of macrosomia. On the other hand, maternal hyperglycemia seems to be the main factor in the development of macrosomia. There are a number of risks connected with LGA and fetal macrosomia. Factors such as maternal height, parity, ethnicity, age of the mother, gender of the newborn, and history of having a baby that was large for their gestational age are included. Macrosomia is considered risky for the mother and the baby, which may cause major problems. Macrosomia raises the odds of caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, vaginal and perineal tears for the mother, and brachial plexus injury, shoulder dystocia, clavicle fractures, hospitalization, and intensive care unit admissions for the neonate.The most commonly used parameter to determine fetal weight is abdominal circumference (AC).