• Urinary tract infections These infections are most common when a woman has gestational diabetes. They are caused by bacteria which grow more easily when blood glucose is high.
• Caesarean section This procedure is more common in women with gestational diabetes.
• Pre-eclampsia This is a condition that has three main symptoms: high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of various parts of the body (this swelling is called oedema by doctors).
• Polyhydramnios This is the condition of having too much amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid is the liquid inside the uterus). The uterus is where the baby grows and develops. Polyhydramnios can cause the baby to be born early.

After the birth

Your blood glucose level should return to normal soon after the birth. Your doctor or nurse will organise checks to ensure that this happens. After you have had gestational diabetes your risk of diabetes later in life is increased.