Pregnant? Watch Out For Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. A mother who has never had diabetes can sometimes develop high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy.

Although the exact cause of the development of gestational diabetes is not certain, it is believed that the developing placenta may produce hormones that block the mother’s insulin action. This can cause her to be unable to produce enough insulin to change glucose into energy and leave the blood. Most women with a reasonable risk for gestational diabetes are tested when they are 24 -28 weeks pregnant. An oral glucose tolerance test is given to measure the blood sugar level.

How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?

If a woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes she can still give birth to a healthy child provided she follows her doctor’s advice.

• Maintains a healthy weight

• Follows a healthy exercise regime

• Eats a healthy diet which usually involves limiting carbohydrates

• If prescribed, takes medications regularly, usually this means insulin.

• Monitors blood sugar levels regularly.

Also women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for developing other complications such as high blood pressure, which is know as preeclampsia, during pregnancy. Your healthcare professional should monitor you carefully for any problems that may arise. You should also be checked after pregnancy while your body recovers.

The Risks to Babies Born to Mother’s with Gestational Diabetes

One side effect of babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes is that sometimes they are much larger than normal babies at birth. This may result in the necessity for a cesarean section birth as opposed to a normal vaginal delivery. Also some babies suffer from a yellowing or jaundice condition of the skin. Babies can also suffer from low blood sugar levels, this is called hypoglycemia, an intravenous glucose solution or breastfeeding can help normalize the baby’s sugar levels.

Read more about the signs of pregnancy here.