Complications associated with the macrosomic fetus

A retrospective study was done on 525 infants who weighed more than 4,500 g. The rates of grand multiparity, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, deliveries in women over 35 years of age, placenta previa and weight gain of more than 15 kg were higher than in a control group weighing 2,500-4,000 g. The rates of delivery with instruments and cesarean section were also significantly higher. The main indication for cesarean section in the study group was cephalopelvic disproportion, while in the control group it was repeat cesarean section. Rates of postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, oxytocin augmentation of labor and tears in the birth canal far exceeded those in the control group. Maternal and fetal morbidity and perinatal mortality were significantly higher than in the control group. The complications were due to a difficult second stage of labor. Delivery of the macrosomic fetus by cesarean section is highly recommended except for the subgroup of women who already delivered a macrosomic child.     

A study of fetal macrosomia

We describe the maternal characteristics in pregnancy with fetal macrosomia, fetal and maternal complications related to macrosomia, and the risk of impaired glucose tolerance. The study is based on a comparison of maternal and neonatal data in 956 cases of fetal macrosomia (birthweight > or =4000 g) in non-diabetic pregnancy with data in a control group of 6407 mothers with non-macrosomic infants (birthweight 3000-3999 g). The main factors investigated were maternal age, weight, parity, gestosis rate, maternal and fetal birth injuries, maternal oral glucose tolerance test results and umbilical blood insulin levels. Macrosomic infants occurred in 9.1% of all deliveries. Mothers delivering macrosomic infants were significantly older, of higher parity and of greater weight than mothers of the control group. Fetal macrosomia was associated with a higher frequency of gestosis, operative deliveries, birth injuries and postpartum haemorrhages. 26.2% of the mothers had abnormal of oGTT results. The macrosomic infants were more often male and had a significantly higher risk of shoulder dystocia and birth injuries. No essential differences could be observed in the Apgar-scores and umbilical artery pH values. 34% of macrosomic infants had higher insulin levels in umbilical blood.     

Apgar scores and umbilical cord arterial pH in the breech neonate

Apgar scores and umbilical cord arterial pH measurements of 449 singleton breech deliveries are compared retrospectively to those of 1425 singleton vertex neonates. In the vaginal deliveries the Apgar scores and umbilical arterial pH were higher for the vertex neonates. There were no differences in either Apgar scores or umbilical arterial pH between the breech and vertex neonates delivered by cesarean section. Whereas Apgar scores in the less than 1000 g and greater than or equal to 2500 g weight groups were lower in the breech neonates delivered vaginally compared to cesarean section, umbilical arterial pH measurements were similar. The data suggest that liberal use of cesarean section may improve the Apgar scores but will probably not appreciably improve the acid-base status of the breech neonate.     

Secular trends in cesarean delivery rates among macrosomic deliveries in the United States, 1989 to 2002.

OBJECTIVES: We describe national trends in cesarean delivery rates among macrosomic infants during 1989 to 2000 and evaluate the maternal characteristics and risk factors for macrosomic infants delivered by cesarean section as compared to macrosomic infants delivered vaginally. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed US 1989 to 2000 Natality files, selecting term (37 to 44 week) single live births to U.S. resident mothers. We compare macrosomic infants (4000 to 4499, 4500 to 4999 and 5000+ g infants) to a normosomic (3000 to 3999 g) control group. RESULTS: The proportion of cesarean deliveries among 5000+ g infants increased significantly over the time period. The adjusted odds ratio of cesarean delivery increased for all macrosomic categories over the 12-year period, as compared to normal birth weight infants. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of cesarean delivery among macrosomic infants continue to increase despite a lack of evidence of the benefits of cesarean delivery within this population. Further exploration of the rationale for this trend is warranted and should include the development of an optimal delivery strategy for such patients.     

Randomized management of the second nonvertex twin: vaginal delivery or cesarean section

Sixty twin deliveries after the thirty-fifth gestational week with vertex-breech and vertex-transverse presentations were managed according to a randomization protocol. Thirty-three parturient women (21 vertex-breech and 12 vertex-transverse presentations) were allocated for vaginal delivery and 27 for cesarean section (18 vertex-breech and nine vertex-transverse). Six pairs of twins in the vaginal delivery group were delivered in a different mode than requested by the protocol (two women underwent cesarean section; in four cases the second twin spontaneously changed to vertex presentation). There were no significant differences between 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and incidence of neonatal morbidity between the second-born twins in both study groups. Firstborn twins had higher 1-minute Apgar scores than the second-born infants irrespective of route of delivery (p less than 0.05). No case of birth trauma or neonatal death was recorded. Maternal febrile morbidity was significantly higher in the cesarean section group than in the vaginal delivery group (40.7% versus 11.1%, p less than 0.05). These results suggest that in twins with vertex-breech or vertex-transverse presentations after the thirty-fifth week of gestational age the neonatal outcome of the second twin was not significantly influenced by the route of delivery.     

Previous cesarean birth. Trial of labor in women with macrosomic infants

Patients with previous cesarean births who delivered macrosomic infants (greater than or equal to 4,000 gm) during the study periods January 1 to December 31, 1980, and July 1, 1982, to June 30, 1983, were analyzed to determine the impact of fetal weight on a trial of labor (TOL). Of 140 women with macrosomic infants given a TOL, 94 (67%) delivered vaginally. The most common indication for cesarean delivery was cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). The dehiscence rates were similar when patients who underwent a TOL were compared with those who did not. Factors associated with a successful TOL were a previous vaginal delivery after the original cesarean section, no oxytocin usage during the TOL and an indication for the previous cesarean section other than CPD. The risk associated with a TOL in a patient with a previous cesarean birth and a macrosomic infant appears to be no greater than that encountered in a similar group of patients without uterine scars.     

The mode of delivery and neonatal outcome in breech presentations less than 32 weeks' of gestation

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the delivery method on neonatal outcome in fetal breech presentation, and the following results were obtained. The rate of cesarean section for breech presentations was 70.7% (104/147). 1) There were 18 neonatal deaths (41.9%) in 43 vaginal breech deliveries compared to 8 (7.7%) in 104 cesarean breech deliveries. Neonatal deaths were significantly higher in vaginal breech deliveries than cesarean breech deliveries (p less than 0.001). 2) In breech presentations, intracranial hemorrhages were more common among vaginally born infants (44.2% vs. 25.0%; p less than 0.02), but the incidence of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (39.5% vs. 28.8%) did not differ significantly between vaginal and cesarean infants. 3) In singletons delivered vaginally, fetal distress was more common among breech presentations than vertex presentations (83.3% vs. 46.3%; p less than 0.02). 4) In vaginally delivered breech singletons, there was no neonatal death among infants with more than 4 one minute Apgar scores, and there was no significant difference between neonatal death and the no neonatal death groups with regard to gestational weeks and birth weight.     

Vaginal delivery for the selected frank breech infant at term

A retrospective analysis of 254 term breech deliveries was done, with term breech presentations managed by a protocol in which cesarean section was done for nonfrank breech presentation, or estimated fetal weight in excess of 4000 g. Patients with frank breech presentation were assigned to one of three groups based on x-ray pelvimetry and estimated fetal weight. Of 70 group 1 patients (adequate pelvis with estimated fetal weight less than 3600 g), 79% had a vaginal delivery. Of 21 group 2 patients (borderline pelvis or estimated fetal weight of 3600 to 4000 g), 67% delivered vaginally. In group 3 (contracted pelvis or estimated fetal weight greater than 4000 g), all patients were delivered by cesarean section. The overall cesarean section rate for frank breech infants was 36%. Apgar scores were not significantly different for infants delivered vaginally or abdominally. The crude perinatal mortality rate was 11.8; the corrected perinatal mortality rate was 0. These findings further substantiate the safety of these criteria in management of term breech presentations.     

Relationship between fetal monitoring and resuscitative needs: fetal distress versus routine cesarean deliveries.

BACKGROUND: There is debate as to whether pediatricians should be present at all cesarean deliveries. Little published data exist regarding the differences in resuscitative needs of infants delivered by cesarean section for "fetal distress" versus those without this diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To describe the differences in resuscitative and immediate postnatal intervention needs for neonates with fetal distress delivered by cesarean section and those without fetal distress delivered in the same manner. Also, to devise an evaluation tool to assess and compare levels of neonatal resuscitation between infants and groups of infants. METHODS: The delivery records of 1411 term infants delivered by cesarean section after uncomplicated pregnancies at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center from March 3, 1995 through March 8, 1997 were examined retrospectively. Apgar scores and resuscitative needs were assigned to a newly devised, weighted scoring system. Resuscitation subscores and total resuscitation scores were compared using non-parametric methods. RESULTS: The fetal distress group (n = 80) had a significantly greater resuscitative needs mean score (p < 0.001) and subscores (p < 0.001 to p = 0.004) than did the non-fetal distress group (n = 419). Of the non-fetal distress group, 48.7% still received some active form of intervention. CONCLUSION: In our study group, infants with fetal distress had significantly greater intervention needs than infants without fetal distress.     

Vaginal birth after cesarean section: is suspected fetal macrosomia a contraindication?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' "Guidelines for vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean birth" include a precautionary statement regarding estimated fetal weight of more than 4000 g. To evaluate the validity of this restriction, we conducted an analysis of the outcomes of 301 trials of labor with birth weights equal to or greater than 4000 g. In the birth-weight range of 4000-4499 g, 139 of 240 patients (58%) delivered vaginally. In the group with birth weights exceeding 4500 g, 26 of 61 patients (43%) delivered vaginally. When compared with 1475 trials of labor with birth weights under 4000 g, no significant differences in perinatal or maternal morbidity were found. Comparison with a control group of 301 women with no previous uterine surgery who delivered macrosomic infants also demonstrated no significant differences in perinatal or maternal morbidity. The medical literature does not support elective cesarean section for suspected fetal macrosomia in nondiabetic women, and based on our experience, there appears to be no reason for treating previous-cesarean mothers differently.     

The analysis of risk factors for fetal macrosomia and the complications in the course of pregnancy and delivery of macrosomic baby

Newborns weighing 4000g or heavier, are defined as macrosomic. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to present the risk factors of macrosomia, the course of pregnancy and the frequency of maternal outcomes associated with the delivery of macrosomic fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis included 670 gravidas hospitalized at The Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Medical University of Wroclaw, between 1999 and 2004, who delivered babies weighing at least 4000g. RESULTS: The majority of macrosomic neonates (80%) were given birth to by women over the age of 25, who gained over 15 kilos in the course of the pregnancy. Macrosomy tends to affect primiparas most frequently. The medium duration of macrosomic pregnancy was 40.61 +/- 1.15 weeks. The percentage of deliveries by cesarean section amounts to 38.5%. Vaginal deliveries are burdened with significant risk of maternal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Women over 30, medium height or tall, who gain over 15 kilos during the pregnancy, tend to deliver macrosomic babies. Multiparas who had given birth to the marosomic babies once before, are predisposed to deliver macrosomic neonate in the following pregnancy. On the basis of our studies, we have determined 4kg as a borderline birth weight for increased frequency of parturient canal injuries.     

Extremely preterm vaginal breech delivery en caul

OBJECTIVE: To describe an alternative method of vaginal birth to the conventional assisted delivery for extremely preterm breech infants within intact amnions, and to compare the immediate neonatal outcomes with those delivered by cesarean. METHODS: Retrospective review of singleton breech deliveries under 26 weeks' gestation after spontaneous labor with intact membranes. Nine "en caul" vaginal births after tocolysis and six cesarean deliveries performed for the sole indication of preterm labor were identified between 1996 and 2001. RESULTS: The vaginal group's mean gestation and cervical dilatation on admission were 23(+6) weeks and 3.2 cm, respectively, and 24(+6) weeks and 2.8 cm in the cesarean group. Vaginal delivery occurred an average of 4 days after admission and 1 day for cesarean delivery. Mean time interval between the first corticosteroid injection and delivery was greater in the vaginal group (90 versus 22 hours). Failure to start or complete a steroid course was more likely in the operative group (67% versus 11%). Mean birth weights were comparable. Five-minute Apgar scores and cord pHs were 6 and 7.41, respectively, for vaginal births, and 5.5 and 7.32 after cesarean deliveries. Fifty-five percent of vaginally delivered infants had a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, with 22% of the whole group dying during the first week of life. This compared with 66% and 50%, respectively, for cesarean infants. Of the survivors, average age at discharge was 121 days for both groups. CONCLUSION: Vaginal birth can be effected in extremely preterm breech pregnancies with intact membranes by adopting the "en caul" delivery method.     

Macrosomic Babies

A review of 3,241 delivery records was made to study the obstetrics and the neonatal outcomes of 129 macrosomic (greater than or equal to 4,000g) babies. They were found to have a nearly 6-fold increase in the neonatal morbidity rate compared with normosomic babies. The emergency Caesarean section rate for nulliparas and parous women with macrosomic babies was 41.3% and 8.4% respectively. Among macrosomic babies, shoulder dystocia was not associated with maternal stature, induction of labour, use of oxytocin or abnormal labour patterns, but was associated with instrumental delivery. Macrosomic babies with shoulder dystocia after instrumental delivery had a higher neonatal morbidity rate than those delivered spontaneously.     

Perinatal and maternal outcomes of fetal macrosomia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the perinatal and maternal outcome of the macrosomic infants. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control, retrospective study is performed in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, between 1988-1992. The maternal and neonatal records of infants with birthweight of at least 4000g (n=1000) were reviewed. Another 1000 cases amongst the newborns delivered in the same period between 2500 and 3999g formed the control group. The obstetrical outcome variables of the groups including mode of delivery and the incidence of maternal and perinatal complications were compared. RESULTS: A total of 16,112 deliveries occurred during the study period. The rate of macrosomic deliveries was 6.21% and the rate of the deliveries (4500g or heavier) was 1.04%. The mean birthweight of the study group was 4272+/-239 and 3277+/-316g of the control group (P<0.001). While the cesarean section rate was 28.8% for the study group and it was 16.6% for the control group (P<0.001). In the study group, 17 cases of brachial plexus palsy (2.4%), 16 cases of clavicular fracture (2.3%) and one case of humeral fracture were observed (P<0.001). The rate of perinatal mortality was 0.8% in the study group. No perinatal mortality was recorded in the control group. There were 14 cases (1.4%)of asphyxia related to delivery in the study group (P<0.01). The rate of maternal complications, were significantly higher in the study group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The macrosomic infants are in increased risk for birth trauma and asphyxia. The risk of birth trauma for the infants weighing 4500g or more is even greater.     

The National Birth Center Study. Part III--Intrapartum and immediate postpartum and neonatal complications and transfers, postpartum and neonatal care, outcomes, and client satisfaction.

This is the final article of the three-part report of the National Birth Center Study. Eight percent of the mothers or infants had serious complications; 16% were transferred, 12% before and 4% after the deliveries. Fifteen percent of transfers were emergencies. Nulliparous women were much more likely than parous women to experience dystocia, be transferred, or have cesarean sections. Seventy-five percent of the nulliparous women gave birth in the centers, compared with 95% of the parous women. Eighty-four percent of the women had at least one postpartum home or office visit. There were 11,814 mothers, no maternal deaths, and 15 intrapartum/neonatal deaths (1.3/1,000 births, 0.7 excluding congenital anomalies). Postterm deliveries with macrosomic infants, placental abruption, sustained fetal distress, and thick meconium were associated with high mortality. Mortality was very low for those not transferred and much lower for transfers during labor as compared with those after the delivery. Women with no medical/obstetric risk factors had the lowest rates of transfers and serious complications. Except for postterm pregnancies, the intrapartum/neonatal mortality rate for birth center clients was not higher than rates from studies of low-risk hospital births, and the cesarean section rate was lower. There is no evidence that hospitals are a safer place for low-risk births.     

Is term breech presentation in primigravida an absolute indication for cesarean section?

Excessive perinatal loss is associated with breech presentation, this loss being accounted for by prematurity, congenital anomalies and birth trauma. In the endeavor to exert an effect on two of these problems, cesarean section has been resorted to increasingly. We have compared two management regimes of primigravida term breech presentation corresponding to two 4-yr periods. During the first period every case was evaluated carefully and, if no other pathology was found, a trial vaginal delivery was allowed. During the second period all the cases were delivered by elective cesarean section. Of the 108 cases of the first period, 46 delivered vaginally and 62 underwent cesarean section. 119 cases were scheduled for abdominal delivery during the second period. Immediate infant outcome for each group was determined by the 1 and 5 min Apgar scores. Analysis of 5 min Apgar scores demonstrated no significant differences in immediate outcome between infants delivered vaginally and by cesarean section. Fetal morbidity related to birth trauma was higher in the vaginal delivery group but there were no perinatal deaths. Maternal morbidity was observed only in the cesarean section groups. This study suggests that properly selected primigravid term breech infants could be delivered vaginally without increased perinatal mortality and with immediate outcomes comparable to those found with cesarean section.     

Route of breech delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in elective cesarean vs. attempted vaginal delivery for breech presentation at or near term. METHODS: We reviewed the maternal and neonatal charts of all singleton breech deliveries of at least 35 weeks' gestation or 2000 g delivered between 1986 and 1997 at our institution. Patients delivered by elective cesarean were compared to those attempting a vaginal delivery. The neonatal outcomes analyzed were: corrected mortality; Apgar scores less than 7 at 5 min; abnormal umbilical cord blood gases; birth trauma; and admissions to the intensive care nursery. Maternal morbidity was also assessed and compared. RESULTS: Of 848 women meeting criteria for evaluation, 576 were delivered by elective cesarean while 272 attempted a vaginal delivery. Of 272 women undergoing a trial of labor, 203 (74.6%) were delivered vaginally, while 69 (25.4%) failed an attempt at vaginal delivery and underwent a cesarean. When comparing patients delivered by elective cesarean with those attempting a vaginal delivery, no significant differences were noted in neonatal outcomes. However, maternal morbidity was higher among women delivered by cesarean, regardless of the indications for the procedure. Similar neonatal and maternal results were noted when nulliparous patients were analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean delivery of selected near-term infants presenting as breech is associated with increased maternal morbidity without corresponding improvement in neonatal outcomes.     

The improving outcome of triplet pregnancies

During the period 1975 to 1988, 78 triplet pregnancies that reached a gestational age greater than or equal to 20 weeks were treated in our department--a prevalence of 1/849 deliveries. A total of 69 (88%) of the pregnancies occurred after treatment with ovulation-induction agents. The most common complication of pregnancy was premature contractions. Elective cervical cerclage neither prolonged gestation nor decreased fetal loss. The mean gestational age at delivery was 33.2 weeks + 3.8 weeks and 86% of the patients were delivered of premature infants. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rates were 93/1000 and 51/1000, respectively. Our results show a higher proportion of low Apgar scores and respiratory disorders in the third vaginally delivered infants. Follow-up of very low birth weight infants revealed four infants (10.5%) with severe neurologic handicaps. Results of this study suggest that cesarean section is the preferred mode of delivery in triplet pregnancies. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks of triplet gestations are relatively low and compare favorably with recent reports on twin pregnancies.     

THE NATIONAL BIRTH CENTER STUDY

This is the final article of the three-part report of the National Birth Center Study. Eight percent of the mothers or infants had serious complications; 16% were transferred, 12% before and 4% after the deliveries. Fifteen percent of transfers were emergencies. Nulliparous women were much more likely than parous women to experience dystocia, be transferred, or have cesarean sections. Seventy-five percent of the nulliparous women gave birth in the centers, compared with 95% of the parous women. Eighty-four percent of the women had at least one postpartum home or office visit. There were 11,814 mothers, no maternal deaths, and 15 intrapartum/neonatal deaths (1.3/1,000 births, 0.7 excluding congenital [Text missing in PDF]omalies). Postterm deliveries with macrosomic infants, placental abruption, sustained fetal distress, and thick meconium were associated with high mortality. Mortality was very low for those not transferred and much lower for transfers during labor as compared with those after the delivery. Women with no medical/obstetric risk factors had the lowest rates of transfers and serious complications. Except for postterm pregnancies, the intrapartum/neonatal mortality rate for birth center clients was not higher than rates from studies of low-risk hospital births, and the cesarean section rate was lower. There is no evidence that hospitals are a safer place for low-risk births.     

Severe preeclampsia and the very-low-birth-weight infant. The controversy over delivery mode continues

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of labor induction with those of cesarean delivery without labor on neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia and delivery of very-low-birth-weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study covered 400 singleton, live-born infants who weighed 750-1,500 g at birth and were delivered because of severe preeclampsia. Outcome in infants delivered by cesarean section without labor was compared with that in infants exposed to labor induction. RESULTS: Of the 400 women with severe preeclampsia who delivered infants between 750 and 1,500 g; 280 (70%) had labor induced, and 120 (30%) delivered without labor. Vaginal delivery was accomplished by 182 (65%) women in the induced group. Apgar scores of < or = 3 at five minutes was more common in the labor-induced group (6% versus 3%, P = .04); however, other neonatal outcomes, including respiratory distress syndrome, ventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, seizures and neonatal death, were similar in the two groups. Data analysis of the induced group did not reveal an association between route of delivery and neonatal outcome. Outcome in both groups was satisfactory at six months. CONCLUSION: Induction of labor in women with severe preeclampsia is not harmful to very-low-birth-weight infants and appears to be a safe mode of delivery.