Ultrasound surveillance in pregnancy complicated by diabetes

Abstract

This article evaluates the clinical relevance of ultrasonography during pregnancy complicated by diabetes for fetal surveillance, assessment of diabetes impact, guidance of diabetes treatment, and obstetric management. Although ultrasound has improved, its effect on reduction of perinatal morbidity and mortality remains to be proven, and its use to detect large-for-gestational-age fetuses is unreliable. Clinical decisions based on birth weight prediction by sonography are often in error. Measurement of the insulin-sensitive fetal fat layer and fetal abdominal circumference may better reflect the impact of diabetes on the fetus.