Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at a greater risk of developing respiratory complications and hypoglycaemia than those born to mothers without diabetes. However, there is currently insufficient evidence as to whether these risks are altered by antenatal corticosteroids after 37 weeks gestation. This retrospective study suggests that antenatal corticosteroids probably reduce respiratory admissions to the newborn intensive care unit with a mild increase in neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with GDM who deliver via caesarean section after 37 weeks gestation. Consequently, we recommend a randomised, controlled trial is required to determine the efficacy and safety of antenatal corticosteroids specifically in women with GDM.
Keywords: antenatal; caesarean; gestational diabetes; glucocorticoids; pregnancy.
© 2019 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.