Which type of delivery method is often discouraged in cases of significant fetal macrosomia?

Vaginal delivery may be discouraged in cases of significant fetal macrosomia due to the increased risk of shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck after the head is delivered, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. When a fetus is larger than average, the chances of encountering this complication during a vaginal delivery rise significantly.

In such cases, healthcare providers often prefer to assess the risks associated with the size of the baby and may opt for alternative delivery methods that are deemed safer for both the mother and the newborn. While other delivery methods can also be associated with complications, the concerns specifically regarding shoulder dystocia in the context of macrosomia make vaginal delivery particularly risky. Therefore, the caution around vaginal delivery in these scenarios is well-founded and emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation of fetal size during labor.