In pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, what is typically monitored during the antepartum period?

In cases of gestational diabetes, monitoring fetal growth during the antepartum period is crucial. This condition can lead to complications such as fetal macrosomia, where the fetus grows larger than normal due to the excess glucose that crosses the placenta. By tracking fetal growth through ultrasound assessments and measuring fundal height, healthcare providers can evaluate the baby's growth patterns and make necessary adjustments to the management plan, including potential early delivery if indicated.

While monitoring maternal nutrition is also important for managing gestational diabetes, the focus during the antepartum period is specifically on assessing fetal well-being and growth. Monitoring uterine contractions is primarily relevant when assessing preterm labor risk or during labor itself, rather than for gestational diabetes management. Additionally, while maternal blood pressure monitoring is essential in overall prenatal care, it is not specific to the management of gestational diabetes, making fetal growth monitoring the most pertinent factor in this context.