What condition might result from untreated gestational diabetes?

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to a large for gestational age (LGA) infant, a condition primarily caused by elevated maternal blood glucose levels. When the mother has gestational diabetes, the excess glucose passed through the placenta to the fetus stimulates increased insulin production in the developing baby. Insulin acts as a growth hormone, prompting the fetus to store more fat and grow larger than average, which is characterized as LGA.

Additionally, there are significant impacts on the pregnancy, including complications during labor and delivery, and an increased risk for both mother and child in terms of potential future health issues. Addressing gestational diabetes through proper management, including diet, physical activity, and sometimes insulin therapy, is essential for reducing these risks and promoting healthier outcomes for both the mother and the infant.