MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES OF DIABETES IN PREGNANCY AT THE KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL: A COHORT STUDY

Objective: Our study aimed to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted. We included women with pre-gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes, and newly diagnosed diabetes during pregnancy. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and obstetric history. Follow-up was conducted until delivery. Outcome data were collected from delivery until the mother and baby were discharged from the hospital. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Results: Of 258 women admitted with diabetes during pregnancy, 234 were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy was 8%, with gestational diabetes accounting for 86% of cases. We found a high rate of cesarean delivery, with 66% of women undergoing this procedure. Additionally, six women (2.6%) developed diabetic ketoacidosis, and three women (1.3%) experienced maternal mortality. Of 241 babies delivered, 21% were preterm, and the stillbirth and perinatal mortality rates were 45.6 and 91 per 1,000 births, respectively. We identified twenty-two anomalies in thirteen fetuses. Conclusion: We found a high rate of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes among women with diabetes in pregnancy including increased cesarean delivery, preterm birth, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal death. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management could improve pregnancy outcomes.