Risk/benefit ratio of changing late obstetrical strategies in the management of insulin-dependent diabetic pregnancies. A comparison between 1971-1977 and 1978-1985 periods in 389 pregnancies.

We compared the results of 166 pregestational insulin dependent diabetic pregnancies in the period 1971-1977 to those of 223 in the period of 1978-1985, after the introduction of self monitoring of blood glucose. During this second study period late obstetrical strategies changed to prolongation of pregnancy up to term, avoidance of final hospitalization and decrease of the rate of cesarean section. Maternal blood glucose control was less optimal in the second period resulting in a higher incidence of fetal macrosomia. Despite this, unexplained stillbirth disappeared, neonatal morbidity did not change significantly and the overall benefit was a reduction of preterm birth and a better quality of life for our patients. We conclude that the final hospitalization from week 32 onward in insulin dependent diabetic pregnancies is no more mandatory.