Trends in deliveries, prenatal care, and obstetrical complications in women with pregestational diabetes: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada, 1996-2001

Objective — To describe recent trends in the proportion of deliveries in women with pregestational diabetes (PGD), their use of services, and diabetes-related obstetrical complications.

Research Design and Methods — In this population-based retrospective cohort study, comprehensive administrative data were used to identify all women (with and without PGD) who gave birth in an Ontario, Canada, hospital from 1996 to 2001. Data on maternal complications and interventions were obtained from hospital discharge records; data on use of prenatal services were obtained from fee-for-service claims.

Results — The proportion of deliveries in women with PGD increased steadily from 0.8% in 1996 to 1.2% in 2001 (P < 0.001). In 2001, women with PGD were more likely to be diagnosed with shoulder dystocia (adjusted odds ratio 2.00 [95% CI 1.55–2.58]), hypertension (4.13 [3.44–4.96]), and preeclampsia/eclampsia (4.44 [3.43–5.73]) and have higher rates of inductions (1.69 [1.52–1.88]) and caesarean sections (1.78 [1.60–1.98]) than women without PGD. In 2001, 50% of the women with PGD had a visit to a diabetes specialist during pregnancy and only 30% of women had claims for a prenatal retinal examination. Both of these rates have decreased over the study period.

Conclusions — Women with PGD now account for a larger proportion of deliveries. These women continue to have higher obstetrical complication and intervention rates than women without PGD and many do not receive recommended specialty care during pregnancy.