Impact of gestational diabetes on maternal labour outcomes

Pinto Ribeiro, Pedro Cristiano (2025): Impact of gestational diabetes on maternal labour outcomes: a comparative analysis of induction duration, prolonged labour and caesarean delivery rates. Dissertation, LMU München: Medizinische Fakultät

Abstract

This research explores the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal and labour outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the duration of induction, overall labour progression, and the frequency of non-elective caesarean sections. A cohort of 128 pregnant women was examined, consisting of 93 in a control group and 35 diagnosed with GDM. While maternal age and parity were similar between both groups, a notable distinction was the significantly higher pre-pregnancy BMI in the GDM group (29.7 kg/m² compared to 23.56 kg/m²). Interestingly, despite the elevated BMI, women with GDM experienced less weight gain during pregnancy, likely due to enhanced dietary regulation and closer clinical monitoring. Labour outcomes indicated that women in the GDM group had a shorter induction phase, but their overall labour was longer, particularly during the first stage. This aligns with previous research suggesting that metabolic changes in GDM pregnancies may impact uterine contractility. However, no significant differences were observed in the duration of the second stage of labour between the two groups. Regarding the mode of delivery, the GDM group had a significantly higher rate of caesarean sections, mainly due to an increase in planned procedures. Although the rate of unplanned caesarean sections did not differ significantly, GDM was linked to a greater likelihood of labour interventions overall. In terms of neonatal outcomes, there were no substantial differences in birth weight or Apgar scores between the groups, and the risk of macrosomia did not appear to increase in GDM pregnancies. These findings highlight the importance of careful maternal weight management and vigilant monitoring of labour in GDM-affected pregnancies. While effective management of GDM can reduce certain neonatal risks, the longer labour durations and increased rate of caesarean sections suggest that more research is needed to optimize delivery outcomes for this population.

• Dokumententyp: Dissertationen (Dissertation, LMU München)
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften ; 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• Fakultäten: Medizinische Fakultät
• Sprache der Hochschulschrift: Englisch
• Datum der mündlichen Prüfung: 31. Juli 2025
• 1. Bericht­erstatter:in: Heidegger-Steger, Helene