What is a possible consequence of uncontrolled gestational diabetes?

What is a possible consequence of uncontrolled gestational diabetes?

• A. Increased risk of maternal anemia
• B. Lower rates of cesarean delivery
• C. High birth weight infants
• D. Decreased amniotic fluid

Answer: (C)

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to various complications during pregnancy, and one of the significant outcomes is the risk of delivering high birth weight infants, also known as macrosomia. This occurs because excessive glucose in the maternal bloodstream, which crosses the placenta to the fetus, stimulates the fetal pancreas to produce more insulin. The increased insulin levels facilitate the growth of fat and muscle in the fetus, leading to an increase in overall body weight. This condition poses several risks during delivery, including potential birth injuries, a higher likelihood of needing a cesarean section, and complications for both the mother and the child post-delivery. Therefore, the connection between uncontrolled gestational diabetes and high birth weight infants highlights the importance of effectively managing blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to various complications during pregnancy, and one of the significant outcomes is the risk of delivering high birth weight infants, also known as macrosomia. This occurs because excessive glucose in the maternal bloodstream, which crosses the placenta to the fetus, stimulates the fetal pancreas to produce more insulin. The increased insulin levels facilitate the growth of fat and muscle in the fetus, leading to an increase in overall body weight.

This condition poses several risks during delivery, including potential birth injuries, a higher likelihood of needing a cesarean section, and complications for both the mother and the child post-delivery. Therefore, the connection between uncontrolled gestational diabetes and high birth weight infants highlights the importance of effectively managing blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.