We already know that having gestational diabetes (diabetes during late pregnancy) has consequences and long-term effects in both mother and baby.




Dr. Stephen Ponder wrote in Corpus Christi Caller Times, TX:

Like any other form of diabetes, gestational diabetes means abnormally high blood sugar levels. The mother has high sugars because she can't make enough insulin; however the baby can make plenty. The baby is exposed, through the placenta, to the mom's high sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels plus insulin equals too much fat in the baby.

By the time of delivery, the baby may be very overweight (more than nine pounds). Such a large baby often requires delivery via Caesarian section since many infants this size can't pass safely through the birth canal. In other cases, a baby's shoulders may be trapped in the birth canal during delivery and may become damaged. The baby may have temporary problems with low blood sugar after delivery, or even breathing problems.

Mothers who have gestational diabetes during her pregnancy is already at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later time even though the diabetes during pregnancy goes away after delivering their babies.

Moreover, those who had gestational diabetes in one pregnancy can develop the condition on future pregnancies.
That's why it is important for pregnant women to be testes for gestational diabetes at 28 weeks.

Find more details about gestational diabetes at the ADA Resource Guide.