ABSTRACT
The complications include biochemical, respiratory, metabolic and haematological problems and those of macrosomia. Where there has been birth trauma, the effects may extend into the neonatal period.
The most common biochemical complications are hypoglycaemia and RDS. Hypoglycaemia is seen in babies whose mother had poor diabetic control during pregnancy. In these babies, insulin levels are high as a result of the hyperglycaemia in utero. When the source of glucose is removed with separation from the mother, the high insulin levels continue to convert glucose in the neonate to glycogen, with a resultant hypoglycaemia. Early feeding reduces this complication. The hypoglycaemic baby may become jittery, hypothermic and will feed poorly.
