What could be a potential effect of untreated gestational diabetes on the fetus?

What could be a potential effect of untreated gestational diabetes on the fetus?

• A. Decreased fetal activity
• B. Low birth weight
• C. Macrosomia (large for gestational age)
• D. Preterm labor

Answer: (C)

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to macrosomia, which is a condition where the fetus grows larger than average for its gestational age. This occurs because elevated blood sugar levels in the mother increase the glucose supply to the fetus, causing it to produce more insulin, which in turn encourages greater fetal growth. This larger size can lead to a variety of delivery complications, such as increased risk of cesarean section, birth injuries, and potential for shoulder dystocia during birth. Low birth weight, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with maternal conditions involving poor control of diabetes during pregnancy but is not a direct outcome of gestational diabetes itself. Decreased fetal activity may happen for various reasons but is not a primary concern related to gestational diabetes. Preterm labor can arise from multiple factors, but it is not a specific effect of untreated gestational diabetes. Macrosomia stands out as the most direct and significant impact on the fetus when gestational diabetes is left untreated.

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to macrosomia, which is a condition where the fetus grows larger than average for its gestational age. This occurs because elevated blood sugar levels in the mother increase the glucose supply to the fetus, causing it to produce more insulin, which in turn encourages greater fetal growth. This larger size can lead to a variety of delivery complications, such as increased risk of cesarean section, birth injuries, and potential for shoulder dystocia during birth.

Low birth weight, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with maternal conditions involving poor control of diabetes during pregnancy but is not a direct outcome of gestational diabetes itself. Decreased fetal activity may happen for various reasons but is not a primary concern related to gestational diabetes. Preterm labor can arise from multiple factors, but it is not a specific effect of untreated gestational diabetes. Macrosomia stands out as the most direct and significant impact on the fetus when gestational diabetes is left untreated.