Which maternal and fetal complication is associated with diabetes during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, diabetes can significantly influence both maternal and fetal health, and one of the primary complications associated with maternal diabetes is macrosomia. Macrosomia refers to a condition where the fetus grows larger than average, typically defined as a fetal weight of more than 4,000 grams (approximately 8 pounds 13 ounces) at birth.

The reason macrosomia is linked to diabetes is due to the elevated glucose levels in the maternal blood that can occur in both pregestational and gestational diabetes. When a pregnant individual has high blood sugar, the excess glucose crosses the placenta, leading to increased insulin production by the fetus. This heightened level of insulin promotes growth and fat deposition, resulting in a larger fetal size.

Macrosomia can lead to several complications during delivery, such as a higher likelihood of cesarean sections, delivery trauma, and postpartum hemorrhage. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor weight and glucose levels closely in pregnant individuals with diabetes to help mitigate the risk of macrosomia and ensure better health outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.

The other options represent potential complications in pregnancy, but they are not specifically linked to the effects that diabetes has during pregnancy in the same way that macrosomia is.