Infant of a Diabetic Mother

Abstract

Currently, 3-10 percent of pregnancies are complicated by abnormal glucose control, and the incidence of diabetes mellitus in the U.S. has risen with the obesity epidemic. Pregnancies affected by diabetes often result in abnormal fetal development, including altered growth and nutrient distribution as well as congenital malformations. Prenatal exposure to the diabetic environment places infants at risk for perinatal compromise, complications in the neonatal period, as well as long term metabolic and neurodevelopmental consequences. It is prudent for providers who care for these newborns to be cognizant of these potential complications in order to promptly and appropriately address them.