The birthweight is greater than 4000g. Fat is stored preferentionally in the abdominal and interscapular region, abdominal and shoulder circumference is increased. Complications durign labor (shoulder dystocia) are common and there is an increased risk of birth injury and asphyxia.

The early postnatal period complications include:

• transient hypoglycemia
• transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with subaortic stenosis, congestive heart failure
• polycythemia
• hyperbilirubinemia
• respiratory distress syndrome (pulmonary maturity in infants of diabetic mothers is achieved 3 to 4 week later)

Pancreas pathology: hyperplasia of the islet cells. This finding returns to normal within the first few days after birth.

Strict glycemic control during the pregnancy and labor prevents these complications.