Which of the following is a potential complication of untreated uterine atony?

Severe postpartum hemorrhage is a significant complication associated with untreated uterine atony. Uterine atony occurs when the uterus fails to contract adequately after childbirth, leading to inadequate closure of blood vessels that were supplying the placenta. When the uterus is unable to contract effectively, this can result in substantial blood loss, as the dilated blood vessels continue to bleed. Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as losing more than 500 mL of blood after a vaginal delivery or more than 1,000 mL after a cesarean section, and uterine atony is the leading cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Prompt identification and treatment of uterine atony are crucial to prevent this potentially life-threatening condition.

The other options presented do not directly relate to the immediate complications of untreated uterine atony in the postpartum period, which is why they are not relevant answers in this context. Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and is not a complication of uterine atony. The likelihood of cesarean deliveries in future pregnancies might be influenced by various factors but is not a direct complication of uterine atony. Lastly, the occurrence of multiple births is unrelated to uterine atony and does not stem from its complications.