The first side effect of gestational diabetes is a new-born of excess weight and size causing delivery problems, calling sometimes for C-section and other special procedures. These procedures could cause nerve damage, fractured bones and sometimes even brain damage to new-born child. Vaginal injuries and larger episiotomy for the mother are other consequences with additional complications like high blood pressure, protein in urine and restricted blood supply to the vital body parts complicating matters.
Some other side effects are newborns with low blood sugar, calcium, increase in red blood cells and jaundice and breathing problems. All this calls for immediate medical assistance. Also the risk of still births is higher in women having gestational diabetes in the last 2 months of pregnancy. The long term side-effects could range from obesity to Type 2 diabetes, attention and hyperactivity problems, and impaired or delayed motor development.