Macrosomia
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).
Diabetes
A fetus (baby) of a mother with diabetes may be exposed to high blood sugar (glucose) levels throughout the pregnancy.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCesarean delivery
A C-section is the delivery of a baby by making an opening in the mother's lower belly area. It is also called a cesarean delivery.
References
Kintanar TA. Obstetric ultrasound. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 142.
Putra M, Hobbins JC. Obstetric ultrasound: dating, imaging, and growth. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 9.
Weiner MR, Gurevich P, Shinwell ES, Yogev Y. Pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 17.
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Macrosomia - illustration
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.
Macrosomia
illustration
Review Date: 10/1/2025
Reviewed 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.
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