Which of the following is a risk associated with gestational diabetes mellitus?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with several complications, one of which is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and often proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and can pose significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Women with GDM are at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia due to the underlying metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance, that can lead to endothelial dysfunction and elevated blood pressure.

The connection between GDM and preeclampsia underscores the importance of monitoring blood pressure and other risk factors in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of developing hypertension and its associated complications.

The other options, while related to pregnancy, do not have the same established link to gestational diabetes. Hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure from the growing uterus but are not directly linked to GDM. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which is unrelated to the metabolic processes of gestational diabetes. Gestational hypertension occurs in pregnant individuals but is not as strongly correlated with GDM as preeclampsia is. Thus, preeclampsia stands out as the significant