Diabetes in Pregnancy: Can Ultrasound Help?

Every year millions of fetuses are exposed to diabetes, in utero. Maternal diabetes may be associated with major fetal/neonatal complications, such as congenital anomalies, macrosomia (but also growth restriction), shoulder dystocia, and stillbirth. Several of these complications are amenable to prenatal diagnosis. The objective of this article is to review prenatal ultrasound contribution to the diagnosis of these complications.

Review of previously recently published literature (not a meta-analysis or a systematic review).

The major imaging technology that can help in the management of the diabetic mother is ultrasound, specifically for anomalies, macrosomia, and growth restriction. The prediction of shoulder dystocia is much more challenging.

Prenatal ultrasound remains the optimal technology to attempt and diagnose complications of diabetic pregnancies, such as fetal anomalies, macrosomia, and growth restriction. It is less optimal for shoulder dystocia and stillbirth.

· Ultrasound can diagnose many fetal anomalies in mothers with diabetes.. · Fetal macrosomia is a common complication of diabetes in pregnancy.. · It is difficult to predict shoulder dystocia with clinical or imaging methods.. · Occasionally, maternal diabetes can result in fetal growth restriction..