Assessment of the Accuracy of Fetal Hemodynamic Indices in Prediction of Birth Weight at Term in Gestational Diabetic Mellitus Mothers

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus accounts for 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. The most common and significant neonatal complication clearly associated with GDM is macrosomia. About 15–45% of babies born to diabetic mothers can have macrosomia, which is a three fold higher rate when compared to normoglycemic controls. The accuracy of fetal weight estimation using ultrasound carries a margin of error of 5-10% for fetuses that are normal or small in size. The percentage of inaccuracy increases significantly in very large fetuses such that any EFW calculated to be greater than 3.8 kg should be interpreted with great caution.