What is a common complication associated with macrosomia?

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Macrosomia, defined as an infant born weighing more than 4,000 grams (about 8 pounds, 13 ounces), is often associated with several complications during delivery. One of the most significant complications is the increased risk of cesarean delivery. This can occur for various reasons, including the size of the baby making vaginal delivery more difficult, leading to potential dystocia (difficult labor due to the baby's size), as well as the possibility of fetal distress.

Cesarean delivery may be planned in advance if there are known risk factors, or it may become necessary during labor if complications arise. The larger size of the baby can create challenges for the mother, such as prolonged labor or inability to progress effectively during the labor process, which can ultimately result in a decision to perform a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant.

While preterm labor, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension are important considerations during pregnancy, they are not directly linked to macrosomia in a way that significantly increases their risk compared to the clear association with cesarean delivery. Thus, an increased risk of cesarean delivery is a well-recognized complication related to macrosomia, making this the correct answer.

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