Context. The prevalence of macrosomia varies through the world according to racial and ethnic factors, life style and importance of non communicable diseases (maternal obesity, diabetes-gestational and type 2), post-term gestation and multiparity. At the University Clinics of Kinshasa (UCK), 30 years ago, the frequency of macrosomia was 2.4%. Objectives. To update data on the frequency of macrosomia at UCK, regarding variations in maternal anthropometrics (obesity) and socio-demographic factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at UCK from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016. Mothers who delivered babies weighing at least 4000 g were included in this study. Results. The frequency of macrosomia was 3.7%. Trend shows a variation of this frequency over time with lowest frequency (2.1%) in 2012 and highest (5.3%) in 2009. The mother average age and parity were 32.3 ± 5.4 years and 3 ± 2, respectively. Pregnancies were complicated by polyhydramnios (48%) and gestational diabetes (19.7%). Caesarean section was performed in 60.5% cases, mainly for macrosomia (47.8%) and 81.6% of newborns had constitutional macrosomia. Adverse obstetrical outcomes of macrosomia were dominated by caesarean section (28.9%), lacerations of birth canal (23%) and neonatal distress (9.2%). Conclusion. Macrosomia remains a constant finding at UCK, and is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Trend shows a variation of the frequency over time between 2.1% and 5.3%.

The value of predictive equation of birthweight of our model is similar to that of European, American, and Oceanian models, confirming, in our sub-Saharan setting too, the ability of customised birthweight to better identify growth disordered neonates according to their growth potential.