Which of the following best describes a morbidity commonly associated with large-for-gestational-age infants?

• A. Birth Trauma
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Jaundice
• D. Infection

Answer: (A)

When a newborn is large for gestational age, the delivery can be mechanically more difficult, increasing the risk for birth trauma during vaginal delivery. The most common and significant issue here is birth trauma from shoulder dystocia, where the shoulders get stuck after the head is born. This situation can cause injuries such as clavicle fracture or brachial plexus damage (Erb palsy), which are classic concerns with macrosomia. That’s why birth trauma is the best description of the morbidity commonly associated with large-for-gestational-age infants.

Hypothermia isn’t specifically tied to being large for gestational age; it’s more common with prematurity or challenges in temperature regulation after birth. Jaundice can occur in many newborns due to immature liver function and other factors, not uniquely linked to being large. Infection risk exists for all newborns and isn’t uniquely a consequence of having a large baby.