Impact of Maternal Gestational Diabetes on Early Postnatal Growth Patterns in Offspring

By
Leena Hintikka
Tuomas Selander
Henrikki Nordman
Raimo Voutilainen
Hanna Huopio
Jarmo Jääskeläinen
October 3, 2026

Acta Paediatrica

Overview

This study investigates the effects of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on early postnatal growth patterns in offspring. It finds that children born to mothers with GDM exhibit larger birth sizes compared to controls.

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with various adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including macrosomia. Understanding the impact of GDM on early growth patterns is crucial.

Data Highlights

Group	Mean Birth Weight SDS	Mean Birth Length SDS	Prepregnancy BMI
GDM	0.5	0.1	30.4
Control	-0.1	-0.3	24.2

Key Findings

Children exposed to maternal GDM had a higher mean birth weight SDS (0.5) compared to controls (-0.1), p < 0.001.
Mean birth length SDS was also greater in the GDM group (0.1) than in controls (-0.3), p < 0.01.
From 3 months onward, no significant differences in length/height SDS or weight-for-length/height SDS were observed between the GDM and control groups.
GDM offspring demonstrated a negative change in length/height SDS over time, while control children showed a positive change.
The mean prepregnancy BMI was significantly higher in mothers with GDM (30.4) than in those without GDM (24.2), p < 0.001.
Exclusive breastfeeding duration did not differ significantly between the two groups (3.5 months for GDM vs. 3.7 months for controls).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should monitor growth patterns in children born to mothers with GDM, as these children may experience early catch-down growth. Awareness of the higher birth sizes in GDM offspring may prompt closer follow-up for potential long-term health risks.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that while GDM is associated with larger birth sizes, it may lead to early growth patterns that warrant attention in pediatric care.