[Pregnant diabetics. A retrospective study of pregnancy and labor in women with type 1 diabetes in Sør-Rogaland 1982-90].

Foetal mortality and morbidity rates are higher among pregnant diabetics than in the general population of pregnant women. From 1982 to 1990, 59 pregnant diabetics were closely supervised by a dedicated outpatient team. Throughout the pregnancies the insulin demand increased, and metabolic control improved. 78 babies were born. The perinatal mortality rate was 3.9%. Major congenital anomalies occurred in 6.4%. The presence of maternal diabetic complications was associated with a higher rate of perinatal complications. The risk of anomalies and high birth weight increased with poor metabolic control. Diabetic women of childbearing age should therefore receive advice before any planned pregnancy.