Which maternal condition is a known risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

Maternal diabetes is a known risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to its association with preterm birth and potential delays in pulmonary maturity. Infants of mothers with diabetes are more likely to be born prematurely, and neonatal respiratory distress is particularly common among these preterm infants.

Moreover, high maternal blood glucose levels can lead to fetal hyperglycemia, which may cause complications including fetal macrosomia and subsequent challenges during labor. These factors can contribute to an increased incidence of RDS, as the secretion of surfactant, essential for maintaining proper lung function, may be inhibited under these circumstances.

In contrast, while other conditions like maternal hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and prolonged rupture of membranes can have implications for pregnancy outcomes, they do not have as direct a link to RDS risk as maternal diabetes.