Diabetes and pregnancy Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

The patients who do not adjust to the metabolic changes of pregnancy and those with previous alterations in carbohydrate metabolism show a significant increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality. In order to contribute to a better prenatal management of diabetic patients, the authors reviewed 60 cases of diabetes during pregnancy, assisted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. The sample was divided into two groups: one with prenatal care according to the Department protocol, and referred to this center for pregnancy resolution, and the other without appropriate prenatal care. In the group with prenatal care according to the Department protocol the complications observed were related to prematurity. The group without appropriate care showed 3 cases of congenital malformations, 3 cases of prematurity, 1 case of severe neonatal hypoglycemia, 1 case of macrossomia, 1 case of intrauterine growth retardation and 1 neonatal death. Comparing the groups, it became clear that the appropriate prenatal care is essential for the diabetic pregnant patient, but also that a reference center, such as this Obstetrical and Gynecological Department, must be fully integrated with the regional health centers, in order to offer assistance before and during gestation to the diabetic patients.