Assessment of the clinical outcomes of diabetes exposure during pregnancy on mothers and their neonates. A cohort study

Background. Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs in more than 8% of all pregnancies. Hence, this study aims to investigate the relationship between gestational diabetes and the clinical outcomes of mothers and their infants in Ilam city.

Methods. This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort. All diabetic pregnant mothers referring to obstetrics, gynecology clinics, and comprehensive health service centers were randomly selected. The clinical outcomes were analyzed using SPSS20.

Results. In total, 332 pregnant women, including 166 diabetics and 166 non-diabetics with a mean age of 32.3 years, participated. Of the diabetic mothers, 31 people had overt diabetes before pregnancy. The results of this study revealed that the relative risk of neonatal jaundice in diabetic mothers was about seven times higher than that of non-diabetic mothers (P=0.001, RR=7). The relative risk of postpartum hemorrhage was about six times (P=0.001, RR=5.9), blood hypertension was two times (P=0.013, RR=2.4) and the need for cesarean delivery was two times (P=0.009, RR=2.6), preeclampsia was 1.4 times (P= 0.011, RR=1.4) neonatal infection was twice (P=0.002, RR=2.1), respiratory distress was one-third (P=0.012, RR=1.3), compared to non-diabetic mothers. Furthermore, diabetes and other clinical outcomes studied in mothers and infants were not significant.

Conclusion. The results showed that pregnant mothers with diabetes are more likely to suffer from postpartum hemorrhage and blood pressure as well as toxemia during pregnancy. In addition, their neonates have a higher risk of neonatal icterus. Health care providers and pregnant mothers should consider these risks in prenatal care.

Practical Implications. Since diabetes is a dangerous complication during pregnancy and can have detrimental effects on the mother and fetus, therefore, it is crucial to study the factors affecting its occurrence so that by recognizing the risk factors and consequences, an effective step can be taken to control this disorder.