Question
How significant is the impact of pregnancy-related diabetes on the fetus and newborn?
Answer
Pregnancy-related diabetes may cause the following effects on the fetus and newborn:
- Increased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. The high blood sugar in pregnant women is transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, stimulating increased insulin secretion, which leads to hyperinsulinemia. This can interfere with the synthesis and release of pulmonary surfactant, causing delayed lung development in the fetus.
- Hypoglycemia in newborns. After birth, newborns are separated from the high blood sugar environment of the mother, but hyperinsulinemia still persists. If sugar is not promptly supplemented, newborns are at risk of developing hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
- Newborns may also experience hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Normal newborn blood calcium levels are 2-2.5 mmol/L, and a blood calcium level below 1.75 mmol/L within 72 hours after birth is considered hypocalcemia. The incidence of hypocalcemia in newborns of diabetic mothers is 10%-15%. Some newborns may also have concurrent hypomagnesemia (normal newborn blood magnesium levels are 0.6-0.8 mmol/L; a blood magnesium level below 0.48 mmol/L within 72 hours after birth is considered hypomagnesemia).
- Other conditions include an increased incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and polycythemia compared to normal newborns during pregnancy-related diabetes.