SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF FETALGROWTH RESTRICTION IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION IN 3RD TRIMESTER
Keywords:
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), Third trimester, Pregnancy, Ultrasound assessment, Fetal growth, gestational diabetes, Hypertension, Gestational age.Abstract
Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major obstetric complication associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal conditions such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertension can impair placental function and adversely affect fetal growth. Ultrasound assessment plays an important role in the early detection and monitoring of fetal growth abnormalities during the third trimester.
Objective: To assess the relationship between fetal growth patterns in third-trimester pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension using ultrasound findings.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital over a period of six months. A total of 110 pregnant women in the third trimester were included. Ultrasound examination was performed to assess fetal biometric parameters including biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), estimated fetal weight (EFW), amniotic fluid index (AFI), placental grading, and Doppler studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and chi-square and Pearson correlation tests were applied.
Results: The study showed reduced fetal biometric parameters and lower estimated fetal weight in pregnancies complicated by hypertension and GDM compared with normal pregnancies. Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was observed in 39.1% and abnormal MCA Doppler in 37.3% of cases. FGR was present in 58.2% of participants. A significant association was found between hypertension with GDM and FGR (p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between blood pressure and fetal growth parameters.
Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension are strongly associated with fetal growth restriction and abnormal Doppler findings. Ultrasound evaluation in the third trimester is essential for early diagnosis, fetal surveillance, and timely intervention to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
