Which of the following is a potential risk of untreated gestational diabetes?

• A. Lower birth weight
• B. Gestational hypertension
• C. Stretched uterine muscles
• D. Excess amniotic fluid

Answer: (D)

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to a condition known as polyhydramnios, which is an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid. This occurs because the elevated levels of glucose in the mother's blood can cause the fetus to produce more urine, leading to an increase in the total amount of amniotic fluid.

Higher levels of amniotic fluid can present various risks, including preterm labor, and can complicate delivery. Additionally, excess amniotic fluid can stretch the uterus, causing further complications for the mother and the developing baby.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary risks associated with untreated gestational diabetes. For instance, gestational hypertension may occur due to the physiological changes that accompany pregnancy itself, rather than directly as a result of untreated gestational diabetes. Similarly, lower birth weight is typically associated with other conditions, rather than being a common outcome of untreated gestational diabetes, where the opposite is often seen, with larger birth weights being more common. Stretched uterine muscles are not specifically linked to gestational diabetes if left untreated, but more to the general progression of pregnancy and other factors like multiple gestations.