A study of incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes

Background: Hyaline membrane disease/RDS is an important cause for newborn morbidity and mortality. Many studies have established an association of infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) since decades. Modern lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of obesity in women and thus diabetes in pregnancy. Maintaining strict euglycemia is a double-edged sword in pregnancy which has been affecting the neonatal health and respiratory maturity in particular which has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Methods: It was a prospective case control study done over a span of one year. Results: Hyaline membrane disease (RDS) is significantly associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Conclusions: Even our study emphasized the ill effects of gestational diabetes on the respiratory development of baby. Most of the babies are manageable and outcome can be drastically improved by early diagnosis and efficient treatment. Education and anticipation of the complications and prompt referral are the need of the hour in peripheries and advancement of neonatal intensive cares in the referral hospitals is needed.