Gestational diabetes is a high-risk pregnancy so you will need close observation.
Risks to you
Women with gestational diabetes are at possible risk of:
- pre-eclampsia (sudden rise in blood pressure) - high blood pressure during pregnancy can place extra stress on the heart and kidneys and in some cases may mean induction of labour
- a big baby (known as macrosomia) - your GP or midwife should discuss the birth options with you
- frequent urinary tract infection (UTI)
- polyhydramnios - increased fluid around your baby
Risks to your newborn baby
Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk of certain conditions. They may need special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Risks include:
- being large at birth (macrosomia) - large babies are more likely to experience birth trauma such as damage to their shoulders (shoulder dystocia) during vaginal birth
- low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia)
- respiratory problems
- jaundice
- low calcium or magnesium - this is very rare
- stillbirth - there may be a slightly higher risk than normal