Which maternal condition is commonly associated with macrosomia in the fetus?

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that develop during pregnancy. This condition is significant because it can lead to excessive fetal growth, commonly referred to as macrosomia. When a mother has gestational diabetes, the excess sugar in her bloodstream can cross the placenta and cause the fetus to grow larger than average. This increase in size often results from the fetus becoming overloaded with glucose, which stimulates increased insulin production, leading to greater fat deposition and growth.

Macrosomia is associated with several complications during birth, including increased risk for shoulder dystocia, cesarean delivery, and birth injuries. Therefore, early identification and management of gestational diabetes are critical to mitigate the risk of macrosomia and ensuing complications for both the mother and the child.

While pregnancy-induced hypertension can lead to complications such as fetal growth restriction, anemia typically does not contribute to fetal macrosomia; rather, it is linked to decreased fetal growth due to inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery. Placenta previa, although a significant condition in its own right, is more related to placental placement and does not directly influence fetal size. Thus, gestational diabetes clearly stands out as the condition most directly associated with macrosomia in the fetus.