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Introduction

If a woman is diagnosed with diabetes for the first time while pregnant, it is called gestational diabetes. It is similar to other diabetes types because a person’s blood glucose levels are affected. The alarming thing is that elevated blood sugar levels can affect a woman’s pregnancy and the health of her baby. Although the idea of pregnancy complications is always frightening, there is some good news since gestational diabetes can be controlled.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

In most cases, women might not notice any symptoms of gestational diabetes. However, it is possible for women with gestational diabetes to urinate more frequently, and experience increased thirst.

Is it necessary to see a doctor?

It is a great idea to see a doctor even if you are planning to fall pregnant. This way, a doctor can assess the risk of you getting gestational diabetes during pregnancy later on. In addition, your doctor can do an overall wellness check. If you are pregnant, as part of your prenatal care, a gestational diabetes check will be done by your doctor. If your doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes, you might be expected to have more frequent checkups, especially during your final three months of pregnancy. Your doctor will want to keep track of your blood glucose levels as well as the health of your baby.

What are the causes of gestational diabetes?

Although it hasn’t been established why gestational diabetes develops in particular women and not others, it is suspected that overweight women are more likely to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes before pregnancy. This is because before falling pregnant, a woman’s hormones might be fully capable of keeping her blood glucose levels under control. However, pregnancy causes significant changes in hormones, making it more challenging for the body to keep the levels regular. As a result, blood sugar levels might rise.

What are the risk factors of gestational diabetes?

Some women are more at risk for being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. These risk factors include:

• Excessive weight or obesity
• Being physically inactive
• A history of pre-diabetes or gestational diabetes
• Having Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome
• Diabetes in the family
• Previous pregnancy that resulted in a heavy baby
• The race of the woman

There is a higher risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes among women of certain races. These include Asian-American, American-Indian, Hispanic, and Black.

What are the complications of gestational diabetes?

If not managed well, gestational diabetes can lead to high blood glucose levels. This can result in complications for a pregnant mother and her baby. These complications increase the likelihood of the baby being delivered by C-section. So what possible complications could affect the baby? If an expectant mother has gestational diabetes, the baby could be at risk of these health complications:

• Being born prematurely

A woman with gestational diabetes has a higher risk of going into labor before her due date. In addition, if the baby is pretty large due to gestational diabetes, it might be recommended that the woman delivers her baby earlier.

• Weighing more at birth

Although this might not sound very severe, a baby with excessive birth weight can face birth complications. It is easier for a heavy and large baby to have injuries at birth or need a delivery by C-section.

• Experiencing severe difficulty with breathing

It isn’t uncommon for premature babies whose mothers have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes to struggle with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It is a health complication that results in difficulty breathing.

• Weight issues at a later stage

There is a higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life for babies whose mothers have gestational diabetes.

• Hypoglycemia

Mothers with gestational diabetes often give birth to babies who experience low blood sugar levels. This can be a severe complication since extreme hypoglycemia can result in seizures. Fortunately, the baby’s blood glucose levels can return to normal with feedings and, in some cases, a glucose solution.

• Stillbirth

Unfortunately, there are cases where gestational diabetes is left untreated, resulting in the baby’s death either before or just after delivery.

Some complications can affect the mother, including:

• Pre-eclampsia and blood pressure problems

Unfortunately, gestational diabetes is often associated with high blood pressure and a severe pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia.

• Higher risk of becoming diabetic

Women who have gestational diabetes while pregnant are more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life. In addition, there is a high chance of them getting gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies.

• Not being able to deliver naturally

If a woman has gestational diabetes, the odds are much higher that she will end up having a C-section. The recovery time for women who deliver by C-section is much longer than those who deliver naturally.

Are there ways to prevent gestational diabetes?

Although there isn’t a guarantee that a woman won’t be diagnosed with gestational diabetes, there are ways that a woman can decrease the odds of getting it. Healthy habits are the best way to increase your chances of not getting gestational diabetes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to decreasing the likelihood of getting gestational diabetes:

• Follow a well-balanced diet

A healthy diet should be everyone’s goal. However, expectant mothers or women who hope to fall pregnant should seriously get all the proper nutrients every day. Speak to your health care provider about a good diet and prenatal vitamins.

• Get daily exercise

As pregnancy progresses, a woman might not feel like being active anymore. However, light exercise like walking is good for the body and the soul.

• If you are planning to fall pregnant, try to lose any excess weight before falling pregnant.

If you are already pregnant, you must control your weight gain as your pregnancy progresses.

Conclusion

It is natural for any expectant mother to be concerned when there is any mention of pregnancy complications. However, by living a healthy lifestyle and staying active, you can give yourself a pleasant pregnancy and your baby the best life start.

For more information on diabetes, don’t forget to check out our blog page for more information such as on type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.