[7] Common risks in LGA babies include shoulder dystocia,[5] hypoglycemia,[5] brachial plexus injuries,[8] metatarsus adductus, hip subluxation[9] and talipes calcaneovalgus, due to intrauterine deformation.

[15] High birth weight may also impact the baby in the long term as studies have shown associations with increased risk of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

[20] While ultrasound has been the primary method for diagnosing LGA, this form of fetal weight assessment remains imprecise, as the fetus is a highly variable structure in regards to density and weight— no matter the gestational age.

Clinical methods for estimating fetal weight involves measuring the mother's symphysis-fundal height and performing Leopold's maneuvers, which can help with determining the fetus position in utero in addition to size.

[33] However, as this method relies heavily on practitioner experience and technique, it does not provide an accurate and definite diagnosis of an LGA infant and would only serve as a potential indication of suspected macrosomia.

[36] Additionally, regular prenatal care and routine check-ups with one's physician are important in planning pregnancy, especially if one has obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions before conception.

[35] A study done in Spain with over 500 pregnant healthy participants were tested to see whether or not regular moderate intensity exercise helped reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus GDM.

[37] The study also concluded that regular moderate intensity training does help decreasing the risk of maternal weight gain, c-sections and macrosomia.

[37] Most screening for LGA and macrosomia occurs during prenatal check-ups, where both fundal height and ultrasound scans can give an approximate measurement of the baby's proportions.

[39] A number needed to treat analysis determined that approximately 3,700 women with suspected fetal macrosomia would have to undergo an unnecessary cesarean section in order to prevent one incident of brachial plexus injuries secondary to shoulder dystocia.

[42] Modifiable risk factors that increase the incidence of LGA births, such as gestational weight gain above recommended BMI guidelines, can be managed with lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a balanced diet and exercising.

[43][44] Such interventions can help mothers achieve the recommended gestational weight and lower the incidence of fetal macrosomia in obese and overweight women.

[23] In general, obese mothers or women with excessive gestational weight gain may have higher risk of pregnancy complications (ranging from LGA, shoulder dystocia, etc.).

[10] In 2017, the National Center of Health Statistics found that 7.8% of live-born infants born in the United States meet the definition of macrosomia, where their birth weight surpasses the threshold of 4000 grams (about 8.8 pounds).