Comprehensive Ultrasound Morphometric Study of the Fetal Profile in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is known to increase the risk of having a fetus with macrosomia by causing hyperinsulinemia. The aim was to conduct a comprehensive ultrasound morphometric study of the fetal profile in GDM with an assessment of the proportionality of the body build. Material and methods. The study involved women aged 18–45 years with a full-term singleton pregnancy. Two groups were formed: Group 1 (n=80) – fetuses of pregnant women with full-term pregnancy against the background of GDM; Group 2, control, (n=50) – fetuses of pregnant women with full-term pregnancy without carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Ultrasound examination was performed at the 37th week of gestation on an expert-class Voluson E8 device (Austria) in B- and M-modes, as well as in the Doppler ultrasound scanning mode of blood vessels. The following fetometric parameters of the fetus were assessed: fetal head circumference, fetal abdominal circumference, and femur length. The estimated fetal weight, head circumference / abdominal circumference and femur length / abdominal circumference ratios were calculated. The obtained data were statistically processed. Results. Fetuses in cases of pregnancy occurring against the background of GDM were characterized by an increase in weight, thickening of the anterior abdominal wall due to excessive development of subcutaneous fat, and an increase in head circumference due to a tendency to hydrocephalus. The proportionality of the fetal build was preserved. Conclusion. GDM is a leading factor increasing the risks of obstetric complications, in particular birth trauma, due to an increase in the size of the fetus, which impedes its movement through the birth canal.

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