premature labour in the diabetic woman
Last reviewed 01/2018
Premature labour is more common in diabetic women and is difficult to manage:
- tocolytic beta-sympathomimetic drugs promote hyperglycaemia
- administration of glucocorticoids to accelerate maturation of the premature foetal lung impairs glycaemic control
After 34 weeks gestation it may be safer to allow the labour to progress than to attempt to prolong gestation.