OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT) on the newborns. METHODS: Fifty two newborns born to women with GIGT (GIGT group) and 40 newborns (gestational age matched) born to normal women (control group) were recruited in this study. RESULTS:The incidence of macrosomia in the GIGT group was obviously higher than that of the control group ( 21.2% vs 5.0% ; P< 0.05 ). The blood glucose level in the GIGT group at 2 h of life was significantly lower than that of the control group [( 1.52 ± 0.66 ) mmol/L vs ( 2.58 ± 0.57 ) mmol/L; P< 0.01 ]. Although the incidences of hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia and polycythemia were higher than those of the control group, no statistical difference was noted. CONCLUSIONS: GIGT may have adverse effects on the newborns