Measurement of umbilical cord and interventricular septum thickness as a predictor for macrosomia in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can lead to a larger baby and a cesarean section. Aim This study examined the accuracy of ultrasonographic measurements of umbilical cord thickness and fetal interventricular septum (IVS) in pregnant women with and without GDM to predict fetal macrosomia and reduce mother and newborn health risks. Patients and methods This prospective comparative case–control study examined 124 pregnant women. The participants had to be 25–35 years old, 28–36 weeks pregnant, singleton, 18–27 kg/m 2 BMI, primi or multigravida status, intact amniotic membranes, and normal umbilical cord morphology (two arteries and one vein). Two equal-sized groups were formed: group A contains pregnant women with GDM, and group B contains healthy pregnant women with normal blood glucose levels. Results Both groups showed a positive correlation between umbilical cord diameter, birth weight, hemoglobin A1c %, postprandial plasma glucose, and IVS thickness. Umbilical cord and interventricular septal cut-off values were greater than or equal to 1.8 cm and greater than or equal to 3.9 mm, with 80–90% sensitivity and 65–80% specificity. In the third trimester, overgrowth fetuses had significantly larger umbilical cords and IVS than average-weight babies. Group B had a significantly higher mean gestational age at delivery difference than group A. Conclusion Ultrasonic fetal heart IVS thickness may predict fetal overgrowth better than umbilical cord thickness. To reduce feto-maternal complications, sonographic fetal overgrowth prediction is crucial.