What complication can arise from poorly managed gestational diabetes?

When gestational diabetes is not effectively managed, one of the significant complications that can arise is macrosomia, which refers to an excessively large baby. This condition often occurs because elevated blood glucose levels in the mother can lead to increased insulin production in the fetus. The fetus, in turn, grows larger as it has access to higher levels of glucose, which contributes to an increase in body fat and overall size.

Macrosomia can result in various complications during delivery, such as an increased risk of cesarean sections, delivery complications, and postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, newborns who are delivered with macrosomia may face challenges, including difficulties with breathing, lower blood sugar immediately after birth, and higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.

In contrast, low birth weight, low maternal blood pressure, and preterm labor are typically not direct consequences of poorly managed gestational diabetes. In fact, poorly controlled gestational diabetes is much more commonly associated with larger babies than smaller ones.