Gestational Diabetes & Baby: Potential Effects on Your Child

Gestational diabetes can affect the child in a number of ways, including:

* Macrosomia: This is the medical term for a baby who is born weighing more than 4,000 grams (8 pounds, 13 ounces). Macrosomia can increase the risk of delivery complications, such as shoulder dystocia (when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone) and perineal tearing.

* Hypoglycemia: This is a condition in which the baby's blood sugar level is too low. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures, coma, and even death.

* Respiratory distress syndrome: This is a condition in which the baby's lungs are not fully developed and they have difficulty breathing. Respiratory distress syndrome can be fatal.

* Jaundice: This is a condition in which the baby's skin and eyes turn yellow. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.

* Polycythemia: This is a condition in which the baby has too many red blood cells. Polycythemia can increase the risk of blood clots.

* Neurological problems: Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of neurological problems in the child, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning disabilities.

If you are pregnant and have gestational diabetes, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This may include monitoring your blood sugar levels, taking medication to control your blood sugar, and eating a healthy diet. By following your doctor's instructions, you can help to reduce the risk of complications for you and your baby.