Gestational diabetes is a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, the mother develops high levels of blood sugar during pregnancy, which can harm both the mother and the baby. Gestational diabetes affects the way sugar is used by the body's cells. If the blood sugar level is controlled during pregnancy, the baby is healthy. The sugar level is checked through blood tests. Usually, the midwife or the doctor check sugar levels during pregnancy.
The baby of a mother with gestational diabetes faces increased risks during pregnancy. There is a high risk of miscarriage in the early stage of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can also leads to abnormal growth or birth defects in the baby, mainly by affecting major organs like heart and brain.

Gestational diabetes in the mothers can cause excess growth and over nutrition in the baby. A large-sized baby can cause problems during labor and delivery. This can harm the baby and raise risks of trauma. Delivery of a large-sized baby may necessitate an emergency cesarean section.  

High sugar level in the mother suffering from gestational diabetes can cause high insulin levels in the baby. After the birth, the child’s blood sugar level may drop to very low levels. The newborn’s sugar levels may require monitoring for a while.

Gestational diabetes in mothers during pregnancy may cause jaundice in the newborn child. This problem is common. It is treated by putting the child under special lights called bili lights.

Other complications can accompany gestational diabetes and harm the child and hence, the newborn needs special care. The child may need to be kept under special care after successful delivery. Risks of premature delivery and pregnancy loss may also increase.

• Medication
• Regular exercise
• Eating healthy foods, a special diet 
• Monitoring the sugar level regularly, with blood tests
• Avoiding sugar-rich foods