Diabetes that is initially discovered during pregnancy (gestation) is known as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes alters how your cells utilize sugar (glucose), similar to other kinds of diabetes. High blood sugar levels brought on by gestational diabetes may harm both you and your unborn child’s health.
There is good news, even if any pregnancy issue is alarming. Gestational diabetes may be managed throughout pregnancy by eating well, exercising, and, if required, taking medication. Blood sugar management may ensure the health of both you and your unborn child and avoid a challenging birth.
If you had gestational diabetes while pregnant, your blood sugar often returns to normal shortly after delivery. However, your chance of developing type 2 diabetes is increased if you’ve ever had gestational diabetes. More often conducted blood sugar tests will be required for you.
Symptoms
Pregnancy-related diabetes often has no outward indications or symptoms. Possible symptoms include increased thirst and more frequent urination.
Causes
It is still unknown why some women develop gestational diabetes while others do not. Pregnancy weight gain is often a factor.
Typically, a number of hormones control blood sugar levels. However, as a result of altered hormone levels during pregnancy, the body has a tougher time effectively processing blood sugar. This causes a spike in blood sugar.
Risk Elements
- Pregnancy-related diabetes risk factors include:
- being fat or overweight
- without engaging in any exercise
- being pre-diabetic
- a prior pregnancy that resulted in gestational diabetes
- A polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis
- having a diabetic relative in close family
- having delivered a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds (4.1 kg) in the past
- being an American who belongs to a certain race or ethnic group, such as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian
Complications
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes might result in elevated blood sugar levels. You and your unborn child may have issues as a result of high blood sugar, including an increased probability that you may need a C-section to deliver the baby.
Maladies that might harm your child
If you have gestational diabetes, your unborn child may be more susceptible to:
Excessive weight at birth. Your baby may get too big if your blood sugar levels are over the recommended limit. Babies that weigh 9 pounds or more are more likely to have delivery injuries, get trapped in the birth canal, or need a C-section.
Birth before term. Early labor and delivery before the due date may be more likely in those with high blood sugar levels. Or the baby can be so big that an early birth is advised.
Significant respiratory problems. Early birth babies may develop respiratory distress syndrome, which makes breathing challenging.
Hypoglycemia, a state of low blood sugar. Shortly after delivery, newborns can experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Babies that have severe hypoglycemia may experience seizures. The baby’s blood sugar level may be brought back to normal by prompt feedings and, sometimes, an intravenous glucose solution.
Later in life, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Babies are more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life.
Stillbirth. Untreated gestational diabetes may cause a baby to pass away either before delivery or soon after.
Problems that might happen to you
Additionally, gestational diabetes may raise your chance of:
Both hypertension and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, a critical pregnancy complication that produces high blood pressure and other symptoms that may endanger both your life and the life of your unborn child, is another risk factor for high blood pressure that is increased by gestational diabetes.
Having a C-section (surgery) for delivery. If you have gestational diabetes, a C-section is more likely to occur.
Upcoming diabetes. If you already have gestational diabetes, you run the risk of developing it once again if you get pregnant again. As you age, type 2 diabetes is also more likely to strike you.
Prevention
The more healthy behaviors you can develop before becoming pregnant, the better. There are no certainties when it comes to avoiding gestational diabetes. These healthy choices might lower your chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes or experiencing gestational diabetes again in the future if you’ve already experienced it.
Eat nutritious meals. Pick fiber-rich, calorie- and fat-free meals. Put an emphasis on whole grains, veggies, and fruits. To assist you in achieving your objectives without sacrificing flavor or nutrients, strive for diversity. Observe serving sizes.
Keep moving. Exercise may help you avoid getting gestational diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy. On the majority of days of the week, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise. Go for a little stroll each day. Take a bike ride. Lap swim. Short spurts of activity, such as leaving your car further from the shop while doing errands or taking a quick walk break, all add up.
Pregnancy should begin at a healthy weight. Losing excess weight before becoming pregnant may help you have a healthy pregnancy. Concentrate on implementing long-lasting dietary adjustments that will support you throughout pregnancy, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid gaining more weight than is advised. Pregnancy-related weight gain is normal and healthy. However, if you put on too much weight too rapidly, you run the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Find out from your doctor how much weight gain is appropriate for you.