You may develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy even if you do not already have diabetes. Proper monitoring and treatment are important to help prevent complications for both you and your baby.
Gestational diabetes happens when your body cannot make or access enough insulin during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this condition affects 5% to 9% of all pregnancies.
While most people are tested for gestational diabetes sometime between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, this condition typically doesn’t cause any symptoms except increased thirst and frequent urination.
Here’s what you need to know about the complications of gestational diabetes, what the risk factors are, and what you can do to prevent negative health outcomes.
Read more: Gestational Diabetes: Everything You Need to Know .
What are the complications of gestational diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes and your blood glucose levels are not well managed, you may develop certain health issues. Some can become serious if they are not treated. Possible complications include:
Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is more common in pregnant people with gestational diabetes than in those without it.
Most people have only a slight increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. But some may develop severe high blood pressure, which involves a systolic blood pressure reading (the top number) of 160 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher and/or a diastolic reading (the bottom number) of 110 mm Hg or higher.
This can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, placental abruption , and preterm delivery.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a blood pressure disorder that may lead to seizures or stroke . It can also lead to HELLP syndrome , a serious complication involving red blood cell breakdown, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
If you develop severe preeclampsia , you may need to deliver your baby early and may have an increased risk of future health issues.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Gestational diabetes may increase your risk of developing infections such as UTIs . A 2023 review of 16 studies, which included more than 1.5 million women with gestational diabetes, found a significant association between gestational diabetes and infections — specifically UTIs.
Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios happens when there’s too much amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. Possible complications include preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes , breech position , and umbilical cord prolapse .
Hypoglycemia
Taking insulin or diabetes medications in pregnancy may lead to episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Possible symptoms include nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations.
Increased risk of cesarean delivery
Babies born to people with gestational diabetes may be large for their gestational age due to high circulating blood sugar. Complications such as preeclampsia may also prompt doctors to deliver a baby before the due date.
As a result, some people may need a cesarean delivery, which comes with risks such as blood clots, infection, and longer recovery time.
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
About 50% of those who experience gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes at some point later in life. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists generally recommends testing for diabetes 4 to 12 weeks after delivery and then every 1 to 3 years after that.
Can having gestational diabetes affect the baby?
One common issue among babies born to people with gestational diabetes is macrosomia (high birth weight). Larger babies may experience complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia .
Another rare but possible complication is brain injury as a result of not receiving enough oxygen during delivery.
Other possible complications for babies include:
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
- having overweight
- having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- having polycystic ovary syndrome
- being older than 40 years old
- having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
- having had a baby who weighed 9 pounds or more at birth
Is race a risk factor?
According to the CDC , people who are African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Researchers do not know why these groups are at higher risk. Race itself is not the cause. Instead, social determinants of health — such as chronic stress, difficulties accessing healthcare, and lack of access to fresh, healthy food — may be more responsible for the increased risk.
Can you prevent gestational diabetes?
If applicable to your individual situation, making certain lifestyle changes before pregnancy may help prevent gestational diabetes. Doctors may suggest losing weight to reach a moderate body mass index , eating a well-balanced diet , and getting regular exercise .
If you’re already pregnant, losing weight during pregnancy is not typically advised . Your doctor can help you determine how much weight to gain during pregnancy and plan a safe diet and exercise program.
What’s the outlook for people who have gestational diabetes?
With proper management of your blood sugar levels, you can still have a healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes and deliver a healthy baby. But without a prompt diagnosis and treatment, gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both you and your baby that may extend beyond delivery.
Gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby may have a higher risk of developing obesity in childhood and of developing type 2 diabetes as an adult due to genetics, unmanaged blood sugar levels during pregnancy, or both.
Healthy lifestyle habits and continued monitoring can help reduce these risks.
Frequently asked questions
Will my baby be OK if I have gestational diabetes?
Likely, yes. The American Diabetes Association explains that by getting a diagnosis early and working with your doctor, you can avoid complications that could affect your baby.
Can I still have a healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes?
While there is no guarantee that you won’t experience any complications of gestational diabetes, keeping up with your diabetes treatment plan and attending all your prenatal visits can help you catch any issues that affect you or your baby before they become serious.
What happens if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes?
If you receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, your doctor will instruct you to monitor your blood sugar for the rest of your pregnancy. You’ll also need to be mindful of what you eat and get regular physical activity. Your doctor may prescribe a medication such as insulin or metformin to help regulate your blood sugar.
Takeaway
Getting a diagnosis of gestational diabetes may feel scary at first, but this condition is relatively common . By monitoring your blood sugar, following your doctor’s recommendations for diet and exercise, and using medications if you need them, you can help protect yourself and your baby from possible complications.
Attend all your prenatal appointments, and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about keeping yourself and your baby healthy through delivery and beyond.
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