Neonatal Morbidity Among Macrosomic Infants in the James Bay Cree Populations of Northern Quebec

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and infant macrosomia are important obstetric
health concerns for Native populations in Canada. Previous research in non-Native
populations has established that GDM and macrosomia are associated with increased risk
of fetal morbidity. Specifically, GDM is a risk factor for infant macrosomia,
hypoglycemia, polycythemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore,
macrosomia is an independent risk factor for shoulder dystocia, clavicular fracture,
brachial plexus injury, birth asphyxia and operative delivery. The main objectives of this study were to determine prevalence rates of GDM and macrosomia related neonatal
complications for the James Bay Cree population of northern Quebec, and to identify risk factors for specific birth trauma injuries and metabolic complications in the population.