Predictive Factors for Successful Cervical Ripening among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at Term: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to identify the predictive factors for vaginal delivery among women (n = 146) who underwent cervical ripening using a dinoprostone insert (PG) alone (13.7%), cervical ripening balloon (CRB) alone (52.7%), oral misoprostol (M) alone (4.1%), or repeated methods (R, 29.5%) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at term, and to analyze maternal and neonatal morbidity outcomes according to the method for cervical ripening. After cervical ripening, vaginal delivery occurred in 84.2% (n = 123) and was similar among groups (90.0% after PG, 83.1% after CRB, 83.3% after M, and 83.7% after R; p = 0.89). After a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders, the internal cervical os being open before cervical ripening was a predictor of vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.38, 95% confidence index (CI) of 1.62–13.3, p = 0.03), and previous cesarean delivery was a predictor of cesarean delivery (aOR of 7.67, 95% CI of 2.49–24.00, p < 0.01). Birthweight was also significantly associated with cesarean delivery (aOR of 1.15, 95% CI of 1.03–1.31, p = 0.02). The rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity outcomes were 10.9% (n = 16) and 19.9% (n = 29), respectively, and did not differ according to the mode of delivery and to the method used for cervical ripening. Identifying these specific high-risk women (previous cesarean delivery and internal cervical os being closed before cervical ripening) for cesarean delivery among women who underwent cervical ripening for GDM at term is important and practical for all physicians to make a decision in partnership with women.