Maternal hyperglycaemia and fetal macrosomia: a reappraisal

ABSTRACT

To assess the relation of third trimester glycemic control on each of fetal weight at birth and the probability of delivery of "large birth weight'> 4000 g "infants" in diabetic gravidas. Setting high Risk Pregnancy Unit at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Analysis of data from 178 diabetic gravidas namely mean third trimester blood glucose, maternal weight, gravidity, age, week at delivery, type and mode of treatment of diabetes, and fetal sex, using linear regression and multiple logistic regression, as appropriate. Similar variables were also studied in a group of normal, non diabetic patients".[n=226]. Main outcome measures: Fetal lirth weight and the incidencen of large luirth weight > 400 g infants Third trimester mean blood glucose and the duration of gestation each had significant relation to fetal birth weight. However, the incidence of delivering infants> 4000 g was related, primarily, to maternal age in both the diabetic and the normal groups. As well as the maternal weight and duration of gestation in the normal group. Conclusion: the level of glycemic control is an important determinant of fetal weight at birth. However, the probability of delivering "large birth weight > 4000 g infants" is primarily influenced by other factrs such as maternal age, and weight