Publication:

Maternal factors associated with large for gestational age babies and its outcome when compared with those of appropriate for gestational age

Background Large for gestational age (LGA) babies are known to have a higher incidence of birth trauma, difficult delivery and Caesarean sections. Knowledge about maternal factors associated with this can help in prediction and prevention of complications.

Methods Maternal factors in 112 cases of LGA babies was studied along with its outcome and compared with an equal number of controls.

Results 0.05% deliveries resulted in LGA babies. Age and parity were not significantly different in the two groups and so were the associated medical disorders of hypothyroidism and gestational hypertension. Significant association was found with post-dated pregnancies (p=0.04) and gestational diabetes mellitus (p=0.05). Also, higher number of primary Caesarean sections resulted in the case group.

Conclusions Post dated pregnancies and gestational diabetes were maternal factors associated with LGA babies and higher number of primary Caesarean sections resulted in these cases.