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Macrosomia

Definition

Macrosomia refers to a very large body size. It is often used to describe an oversized fetus.

Information

The most common cause of macrosomia is diabetes in the mother. Macrosomia can lead to injury during birth and a greater chance of a cesarean delivery (C-section).

Gallery

Macrosomia
Macrosomia is the condition of having an unusually large body. The body is in proportion, with the extremities and head also enlarged. Disorders that include this condition are gigantism and acromegaly.

References

Blickstein I, Perlman S, Hazon Y, Shinwell ES. Pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.

Kintanar TA. Obstetric ultrasound. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 142.

Richards DS. Obstetric ultrasound: imaging, dating, growth, and anomaly. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.

Last reviewed October 1, 2025 by Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Regional Medical Director of Penn Medicine Primary and Specialty Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

News and patient stories: Macrosomia