Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Fetal macrosomia represents a continuing challenge in obstetrics, as it has risk of shoulder dystocia leading to transient or permanent fetal, maternal injury and medicolegal liability. The overall incidence of macrosomia has been rising. Non-diabetic macrosomia is still an obstetric dilemma, as there is no clear consensus regarding its ante-partum prediction and management, as accurate diagnosis is only made retrospectively. ⋯ Pre-pregnancy and ante-partum risk factors and ultrasound have poor predictive value. Induction of labour and prophylactic caesarean delivery has not been shown to alter the incidence of shoulder dystocia among nondiabetic patients. Caesarean section and induction of labour are associated with increased risk of operative morbidity and mortality with added cost implications.
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Comparative Study
Fetal macrosomia in non-diabetic mothers: antenatal diagnosis and delivery outcome.
This is a retrospective study of 74 non-diabetic women that delivered babies in excess of 4,500 g. The women were divided into two groups, depending on whether there had been suspected macrosomia antenatally or not. ⋯ Women diagnosed with a macrosomic fetus were more likely to have elective caesarean sections or premature induction of labour. Those women in whom macrosomia was not suspected had higher rates of vaginal deliveries without any increase in neonatal morbidity.
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There is no consensus amongst medical and midwifery staff on the optimum time to cut the umbilical cord following childbirth. Studies have shown that delaying cord clamping for at least 30 seconds is associated with less need for blood transfusion and respiratory support. In 2004, Rabe et al. recommended delayed cord clamping for up to 120 seconds in preterm birth. ⋯ Obstetricians are reluctant to adopt the recommendation. Difficulty in clinical practice was the main reason. There is need for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to produce guidelines for delayed cord clamping in obstetric practice.