This week Blyss and Stu go on a deep dive into macrosomia, also known as a large baby. They review extensive data from multiple sources, including ACOG, NICE guidelines, and the Big Baby Study, and discuss the implications of predicted and actual macrosomia. They discuss risk factors, maternal and fetal morbidity, ultrasound accuracy, the pros and cons of induction of labor, and the impact of the standard of care. As always, Blyss balances the conversation with discussing the stark contrast between the way macrosomic babies are cared for in the hospital v at home under the care of midwives. She shares tips on how to reduce the risks of macrosomia, especially when a mom is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. 

Mentioned in This Episode

Homeopathy for Community Midwives

Birth Outside the Box

Midwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part One

Apollo the Original Podcast: Home Birth, Feminism and Hospital Misogyny | Midwife Tells it All, with Midwife Aleks 

Birthing Instincts Episode 252: Inducing Naturally & Letting Fear Control Us

Studies Referenced

NICE Study: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Induction of Labour for Suspected Fetal Macrosomia: Evidence Review A.” NICE Guideline NG207, [2021]. PDF.

Big Baby Study: Gardosi, Jason, et al. “Induction of Labour versus Standard Care to Prevent Shoulder Dystocia in Fetuses Suspected to Be Large for Gestational Age in the UK (the Big Baby Trial): A Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 405, no. 10491, 17 May 2025, pp. 1743–1756. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00162-X.

ACOG Practice Guidelines: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Macrosomia.” Practice Bulletin: Obstetrics, Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics, William H. Barth Jr, MD, and Rebecca Jackson, MD, [2016] PDF.

Preyer, Oliver, et al. “Fetal Weight Estimation at Term—Ultrasound versus Clinical Examination with Leopold’s Manoeuvres: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019, article 122.

In This Episode

Macrosomia: Definitions and Risk Factors

Understanding Shoulder Dystocia and Its Risks

Clinical Estimated Weights and Palpation Skills

Induction of Labor and Macrosomia

VBAC and Macrosomia Considerations

Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care 

This show is supported by

• WeNatal | Go to WeNatal.com/Birthinginstincts for a free magnesium with any subscription order. 
• Wholesome Organics Beauty Company | Go to wholesomeOBC.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off your order.
• BIRTHFIT | Go to birthfit.com and use the code INSTINCTS for 20% off any fitness program.
• Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 off

Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss

• Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast
• Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@birthingblyss
• Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com