Sonographic study of the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal activity

To evaluate the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and fetal activity.

We prospectively studied 18 pregnant patients with GDM and 20 pregnant patients with normal glucose screening test. An ultrasound equipment was used to perform a 30 min transabdominal sonographic recording for each patient. Each ultrasound exam was recorded using a DVD recorder. Fetal activity was analyzed using duration and number of episodes of fetal breathing and body movements. The recordings were analyzed using a stopwatch in order to accurately evaluate each recording. The data was statistically analyzed using the parametric and non-parametric t-test.

The results of the study indicated that there was a significant correlation (p = 0.007) between the duration of fetal breathing movement and GDM. Fetuses of mothers suffering from GDM had a significantly longer duration of fetal breathing movements compared with fetuses of non diabetic mothers. In addition, the total duration of fetal activity (time of fetal body movements plus fetal breathing movements) was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in GDM compared with non GDM pregnancies. The difference in fetal body movements between GDM and normal pregnancies was not statistically significant.

The results of this study support the hypothesis that GDM has a direct influence on fetal activity. The significance of this finding should be further evaluated.