Pregnancy Complications

If not managed well, gestational diabetes can cause problems for both mother and child.  Chronic high blood sugar can increase the risk for high blood pressure in pregnancy, a large-for-gestational-age baby, and postpartum and newborn health problems.

Keeping blood glucose levels in a safe range dramatically reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. If you're planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your gestational diabetes risk and how to lower it.

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08