Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is not usually associated with birth defects. However, some research indicates it may increase the risk of certain complications.

A birth defect, or congenital anomaly, is a structural or functional problem that a baby is born with. They may occur due to certain medical conditions, or behaviors such as a person drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes occurs when a person’s body cannot make the extra insulin required during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It allows the body to use glucose for energy and helps manage blood glucose levels.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause the body to develop insulin resistance, which is when it does not respond well to insulin.

If a person cannot make enough insulin to deal with their insulin resistance, they may develop gestational diabetes. This condition may affect a person’s baby. It may cause them to be born too early, or weigh too much.

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Information from 2023 states that gestational diabetes is generally not associated with birth defects. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that gestational diabetes affects a person during the late stages of pregnancy. At this stage, the formation of the fetus’ body and main organs has already occurred.

However, some studies suggest that gestational diabetes may increase the risk of certain birth defects. A study from 2023 found that there was an increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to gestational diabetes.

More research is necessary to further understand potential links between gestational diabetes and birth defects. However, at present, researchers do not consider gestational diabetes to be a direct risk factor for birth defects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that a person who has overweight or obesity may be at higher risk of gestational diabetes.

Obesity may also play a role in a person’s baby developing birth defects. A study from 2024 found that a person who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy had a higher risk of their baby developing birth defects that affect the:

  • circulatory system
  • eye
  • ear
  • face
  • neck
  • musculoskeletal system

Researchers also note that the risk of circulatory system defects in babies is higher in people with prepregnancy overweight or obesity alongside gestational diabetes.

The CDC states that other factors that may increase a person’s risk of having a baby with a birth defect include:

  • smoking, drinking, or taking certain drugs during pregnancy
  • having certain medical conditions, such as unmanaged diabetes
  • taking certain medications
  • having a family member with a birth defect
  • contracting certain infections during pregnancy
  • having a fever of more than 101°F (38.33°C)

A review from 2022 found that people with gestational diabetes were at increased risk of certain pregnancy complications. The review looked at people who treated their condition with insulin and those who did not. Researchers found that people who did not use insulin had a higher risk of:

  • cesarean delivery
  • preterm delivery
  • low one-minute Apgar score, which is a ranking system doctors use to determine how well a baby tolerated birth
  • macrosomia, which is when a baby has a birth weight that is much higher than average
  • having an infant large for gestational age (LGA), which is when a baby weighs more than 90% of babies their age

Researchers found that people who took insulin to treat their gestational diabetes were at higher risk of their baby being born:

  • LGA
  • with respiratory distress syndrome
  • with neonatal jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • requiring neonatal intensive care

Additionally, people with gestational diabetes were at increased risk of preeclampsia and induction of labor. Preeclampsia is a serious condition where a person’s blood pressure increases during pregnancy and labor.

Information from 2023 notes that gestational diabetes may also cause polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios is when there is too much amniotic fluid in the womb. A 2023 article states that this condition may cause birth defects in up to 1 in 5 babies.

A study from 2019 found that children born to a person with gestational diabetes are twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes before they reach 22 years old.

Additionally, a review from 2023 notes that having macrosomia or LGA may increase a person’s chances of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Yes, having prepregnancy diabetes may increase the risk of certain birth defects. A pregnant person with pre-existing diabetes is 2 to 3 times more likely to have a baby with a birth defect than a person without diabetes.

Researchers note that high maternal blood glucose levels may alter normal signaling pathways involved with fetal and organ development. This may affect a baby’s:

  • heart
  • face
  • brain
  • spine
  • jaw
  • ear
  • eyes

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that a person may help to manage their gestational diabetes by:

  • following a healthy eating plan
  • being physically active
  • noting glucose levels before and after eating
  • consulting a doctor about taking insulin

Gestational diabetes is not generally associated with birth defects. However, a person who has gestational diabetes may be at risk of certain pregnancy complications.

Additionally, other factors that may relate to gestational diabetes, such as obesity, can increase the risk of birth defects. A child born to a person with gestational diabetes may also have a greater risk of diabetes or obesity in later life.

To help manage gestational diabetes, a person can follow their doctor’s guidance. Typically, this may involve dietary changes, being physically active, and taking note of glucose levels.