Background and Aim: Gestational diabetes is initially diagnosed as glucose intolerance in pregnancy which might result in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The present study aimed at different maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes. 

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 148 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the department of Diabetes and Endocrinoogy and Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar and Mian Rashid Hussain Shaheed Memorial Hospital Pabbi respectively for duration of six months from April 2021 to September 2021. Maternal and perinatal data were taken from patients' medical records in the hospital database. The data included age, gestational age, parity, mode of delivery, BMI, infant birth weight, antenatal complications and both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. All the women with multiple pregnancies and who presented with the breech in the labor room were excluded. Estimation of platelet count and renal function test were performed in order to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes in addition to estimation of blood glucose levels and routine investigations.

Results: Of the total 148 diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the majority of women 97 (65.5%) had an age between 20 and 30 years followed by 30 to 40 years 42 (28.4%). A higher incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension 18 (12.2%), cesarean section 87 (58.8%), labor induction 58 (39.2%), macrosomia in 4 (2.7%), and preterm delivery in 5 (3.4%) was reported despite early diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes. The prevalence of perinatal morbidity was 43 (29.1%) whereas the mortality was 5 (3.4%). Neonatal hypoglycemia in 49 (33.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome 12 (8.1%), hyperbilirubinemia 19 (12.8%), and requirement of neonatal unit admission 37 (25%) were common causes of perinatal morbidity. Neonatal and intrauterine deaths were reported in 3 (2%) and 2 (1.4%) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality increased in women with gestational diabetes. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was used for screening of gestational diabetes in pregnant women during 24 to 28 weeks gestation which assisted in earlier diagnosis and timely intervention, in turn, reducing complications. Pregnancy outcomes might be improved with the proper management of gestational diabetes. 

Keywords:  Maternal outcome, Perinatal outcomes, Gestational diabetes