Doppler Ultrasound Assessment of Fetal MCA and Umbilical Arteries in Patients with Gestational Diabetes versus Normal Pregnancies

Abstract

t is unquestioned that gestational diabetes has a significant impact on pregnancy outcome. The embryo and the mother commonly experience serious complications directly attributable to diabetes. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should be counseled on the risk of development and/or progression of diabetic complications. Maternal morbidity of diabetes includes preterm birth and preeclampsia, in addition to the risk of developing T2DM later in life, while fetal and neonatal complications include miscarriage, birth defects, growth restriction, macrosomia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, operative delivery, shoulder dystocia, birth injury and respiratory distress syndrome. Diagnosing, monitoring and controlling of diabetes as well as assessment of fetal well-being may reduce the impact of diabetes on the fetus and decrease neonatal complications. Assessment of fetal wellbeing is primarily directed at the detection and prevention of hypoxic stress, which may cause fetal or neonatal death. Different tests have been used to assess fetal well-being, such as fetal movement analysis, non-stress test (NST), and biophysical profile (BPP).