ATLANTIC DIP: pregnancy outcome for women with pregestational diabetes along the Irish Atlantic seaboard.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Prospective evaluation of pregnancy outcomes in pregestational diabetes along the Atlantic seaboard 2006¿2007.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Atlantic Diabetes in Pregnancy group, representing five antenatal centers in a wide geographical location, was established in 2005. All women with diabetes for >6 months before the index pregnancy were included. Results were collected electronically via the DIAMOND Diabetes Information System. Pregnancy outcome was compared with background rates.

RESULTS There were 104 singleton pregnancies. The stillbirth rate (25/1,000) was 5 times, perinatal mortality rate (25/1,000) 3.5 times, and congenital malformation rate (24/1,000) 2 times that of the background population. A total of 28% of women received prepregnancy care, 43% received prepregnancy folic acid, and 51% achieved an A1C ¿7% at first antenatal visit.

CONCLUSIONS Women are not well prepared for pregnancy, and outcomes are suboptimal. A regional prepregnancy care program and centralized glucose management are urgently needed.