What can be a consequence of not managing gestational diabetes effectively?

Managing gestational diabetes effectively is crucial for the health of both the mother and the neonate. When gestational diabetes is not properly controlled, it can lead to several serious complications.

One significant consequence is an increased risk of complications for both the mother and the child. For the mother, unmanaged gestational diabetes can lead to conditions such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and a higher likelihood of requiring a cesarean section due to excessive fetal growth. For the infant, complications can include macrosomia (large birth weight), which increases the risk of delivery complications and may lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) after birth. Additionally, there is an increased risk of the child developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Given these potential issues, it is evident that effective management of gestational diabetes is essential to reduce risks and ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the child.