In a pregnant woman with a history of macrosomia, which diagnostic study is important to reduce perinatal complications?

In a pregnant woman with a history of macrosomia, performing diabetes screening is particularly important as it can help identify gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with a previous pregnancy that resulted in macrosomia are at an increased risk of developing GDM, which can lead to larger fetal size and associated complications during delivery, as well as adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Identifying and managing gestational diabetes can significantly decrease the likelihood of complications such as shoulder dystocia, cesarean delivery, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Proper screening allows for timely interventions, including dietary changes, exercise recommendations, blood glucose monitoring, and sometimes insulin therapy, which can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of macrosomia in the current pregnancy.

Other diagnostic studies, while beneficial in certain contexts, do not directly address the issues related to fetal weight and perinatal complications that are specifically associated with a history of macrosomia.