Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the main obstetric dysfunctions that occur during pregnancy, where high levels of plasma glucose compromise the morphogenesis and development of the placenta. Given the large number of alterations to the placenta in diabetic pregnant women, this study went into great detail about the maternal-fetal complications arising from this pathology, with a focus on placental changes. Thus, this production adds to the information on the subject, triggering health education actions, contributing to the formulation of strategies to reduce gestational diabetes and improve the quality of care provided to patients.