Fetal distress during labour in diabetic pregnancy

The frequency of fetal distress in labour was studied in 46 diabetic women and in 46 non-diabetic matched controls. Fetal distress was assessed by electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring and fetal scalp blood pH determinations in late first stage of labour. Ominous FHR and/or low pH (less than 7.26) was more common in the diabetic group than in the control group (17.4% and 10.9%, respectively) but the difference was not statistically significant. The frequency of caesarean section and low Apgar score at 1 min was significantly higher in the diabetic group (P less than 0.05). There was no correlation between maternal blood glucose regulation and the occurrence of fetal distress in the diabetic group. The results suggest that fetal distress may be slightly more common in labour in diabetic women compared with controls managed in a similar way. Careful FHR monitoring and liberal use of fetal scalp blood pH determinations is recommended.