Gestational diabetes and its impact on the neonate.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a relatively common medical condition that was described as early as the nineteenth century. This article discusses the maternal and fetal pathophysiology and the impact of the maternal condition on the neonate. Fetal macrosomia and infant respiratory distress syndrome, cardiomyopathy, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, polycythemia, and hyperviscosity all can occur as a result of maternal hyperglycemia and are discussed in detail. Therapeutic approaches and treatment options for the mother, manifestations and diagnosis of the infant, and current research related to this condition are also included.