Macrosomia
Macrosomia means a baby is born with a very high birth weight, most commonly defined as 4,000 grams (4 kg) or above, though some guidelines use 4,500 grams as the threshold. It differs from large for gestational age because macrosomia uses an absolute weight cutoff rather than a percentile comparison. Common causes include gestational diabetes, maternal obesity, prolonged pregnancy, and genetics. During delivery, macrosomic babies have a higher risk of shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, and assisted delivery. After birth, these newborns should be monitored for hypoglycaemia, as their blood sugar can drop quickly once the cord is cut.
What This Means for You
Understanding Macrosomia is an important part of your birth journey. In your baby's first year, you will hear this term from your paediatrician and in parenting communities. Knowing what it means helps you respond quickly and confidently.
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Because Asian women tend to be smaller in stature than Western populations, Singapore hospitals sometimes apply a lower weight threshold, around 3,800 to 4,000 grams, when counselling on delivery options. Discuss the appropriate cutoff with your obstetrician at KKH or NUH.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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