A comparative study on complications developed in mothers and neonates among pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus

Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy and is one of the most common metabolic complications in obstetrics. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal complications in women with and without GDM and to assess the impact of GDM on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care setting. Methods & Materials: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to June 2025, including 96 pregnant women-48 with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 48 without GDM, matched for age and parity. Result: Among 96 pregnant women (48 GDM, 48 non-GDM), maternal complications were higher in the GDM group, with pregnancy-induced hypertension in 20.8% vs. 8.3%, polyhydramnios in 12.5% vs. 2.1%, and cesarean delivery in 66.7% vs. 50%. Neonates of GDM mothers had higher mean birth weight (3.42 kg vs. 2.98 kg) and macrosomia (14.6% vs. 2.1%), with increased rates of hypoglycemia (18.8% vs. 4.2%) and NICU admission (29.2% vs. 12.5%). Respiratory distress (14.6% vs. 6.3%) and birth asphyxia (10.4% vs. 4.2%) were also more common in the GDM group. Conclusion: This study shows that gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with higher maternal complications-such as hypertensive disorders, polyhydramnios, and cesarean delivery-as well as increased neonatal risks including macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and NICU admission.