Which maternal condition is a risk factor for gestational diabetes?

A history of gestational diabetes is a significant risk factor because it indicates that the body may have difficulty processing glucose during pregnancy. Women who have previously experienced gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing it in subsequent pregnancies due to insulin resistance often being a recurring issue. This can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can affect a woman's metabolism and ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Other conditions, such as prior hypertension, multiparity, and being underweight, do have some associations with various pregnancy complications, but they are not as directly linked to the development of gestational diabetes as a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes itself. Thus, having a history of it provides a clear indication of susceptibility in future pregnancies.