CORRELATION OF HIGHER MATERNAL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS WITH NEONATAL BIRTH WEIGHT IN NON-DIABETIC PREGNANT MOTHERS.

Fetus and placenta depend on unique physiologic systems to provide an environment supporting fetal growth and development in preparation for transition to extra-uterine life. Fetal growth depends on the maternal nutritional status. Glucose is the principal energy substrate for the placenta and the fetus. It is an essential requirement for normal fetal metabolism and growth. Glucose supply is derived via maternal carbohydrate metabolism and gluconeogenesis of amino acids. Pregnant women with blood sugar levels in the higher range of normal are more likely to give birth to healthier babies. [1,2] This study was conducted to correlate maternal OGCT values done thrice in the course of the pregnancy with fetal outcome in the form of birth weight. 300 antenatal patients were followed till delivery. It was observed that an increased maternal blood sugar level, within the normal range, was related to increased Neonatal Birth Weight in healthy mothers.