Intrapartum and perinatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes and mild gestational hyperglycemia

OBJECTIVE(S) : To evaluate O' Sullivan's screening test to identify women at risk for gestational diabetes, evaluate intrapartum and neonatal outcomes, and analyze the risk factors. METHODS(S) : Three hundred and seventy eight pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic with gestation of 24 to 28 weeks were recruited for the study. They were given 50g glucose orally, regardless of the time of previous meal, and one hour later blood was collected for glucose estimation. Women with a plasma glucose level >= 140 mg/dL were subjected to a 75 g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS : The detection rate of mild gestational hyperglycemia (MGH) was 6.8% and that of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was 2.6%. Pregnancy induced hypertention and placental abruption were significantly associated with MGH/GDM. No statistical association was found with mode of delivery and other intrapartum complications. Babies born to women with MGH or GDM were eight times more likely to have hypoglycemia and three times more likely to have jaundice requiring phototherapy, as compared to babies born to women without MGH or GDM. CONCLUSION(S) : Antepartum, intrapartum and perinatal morbidity is increased in women with both MGH and GDM. These results need to be validated against a larger cohort.