Which condition may arise from a poorly managed gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, leads to elevated blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. If it is not managed properly, one of the significant risks is macrosomia, a condition where the fetus grows excessively large, typically defined as a birth weight of more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams).

High glucose levels in the mother can cause increased sugar levels in the fetus, leading to more fetal insulin production. This excessive insulin promotes fat deposition and growth, contributing to macrosomia. The larger size of the fetus can result in various complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, and may necessitate a cesarean delivery.

While hypoglycemia can indeed occur during pregnancy, it is primarily associated with factors like over-medication of insulin or inadequate food intake, rather than directly from gestational diabetes itself. Preeclampsia and anemia are also associated with different pregnancy complications but are not direct consequences of poorly managed gestational diabetes compared to macrosomia. Thus, macrosomia is the primary concern that arises from poor management of gestational diabetes.