Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes is Diabetes is a Diabetes that is diagnosed for the first-time during pregnancy, thereby it’s name. It affects the mother in a way like other types of diabetes, by affecting how cells use glucose. Blood sugar levels usually become normal after the pregnancy, but the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases, making it important for the mother to watch out for signs of high blood sugar levels in the future.

There can be some contributing factors, such as being overweight before pregnancy. The hormonal changes during pregnancy might also have a role to play. Gestational Diabetes Symptoms may include increased thirst and frequent urination, and some people may experience no Gestational Diabetes Symptoms and Gestational Diabetes diagnosis may be because of blood sugar levels testing. Hence, if you are at an increased risk for Gestational Diabetes, it makes sense to talk to your doctor about any dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

Some of the risk factors for Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy are –

• Being Overweight or Obese
• Not having an adequately active lifestyle
• Previous history of Pre-Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Family History of Diabetes in immediate family

Additionally, risk factors associated with previous pregnancies and race might also have a role to play. It is a good idea to discuss this topic with your doctor, to be better empowered to reduce the risks.

Gestational Diabetes Complications

Some complications of this condition are –

• High Blood Pressure and Pre-Eclampsia – These very high-risk pregnancy complications can develop in the mother posing a serious risk to the health and lives of the mother and the baby.
• Excessive Birth Weight Of Baby – Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of your baby being born larger than 9 pounds, which can increase it’s chances of injury during vaginal delivery.
• Requirement of Caesarean Section – Having Gestational Diabetes significantly increases your risk of requiring a caesarean section for the delivery of your baby.
• Pre-Term Birth – The baby’s risk of being born pre-term significantly increase if the mother has Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy.
• Breathing Issues of The Baby – The baby born to a mother with Gestational Diabetes may experience respiratory distress syndrome which makes breathing difficult for the infant.
• Low Blood Sugar in the Baby – Some babies are at a risk of developing recurrent low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) which can cause seizures in the baby. Intravenous Fluids and prompt feedings may be required to help the baby’s blood sugar remain at normal levels.
• Risk Of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in the mother – The risk of Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes increases in the mother.
• Increased Risk of Stillbirth and Child Mortality – Untreated Gestational Diabetes poses a risk to babies’ life before and after birth.

If it is not being treated by a doctor can significantly increase the risk of developing several life-threatening complications for the mother and the baby. It is essential that pregnant ladies are not only aware about this dangerous pregnancy complication, but also try to prevent it.

Gestational Diabetes Prevention

There are some things that you can keep in mind while planning for a pregnancy and during pregnancy to reduce your risk of this condition. Some of them are –

• Planning for a Pregnancy at a healthy weight – If you’re trying to conceive, make sure your pre-pregnancy weight isn’t overweight or obese to minimize risk of Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy.
• Consume Adequate Nutrients – Eat nutrient-dense healthy foods and avoid highly processed foods and junk foods that are high in fats and low in calories. If your diet is nutrient poor and calorie dense, make sure you talk to your doctor about Prenatal Vitamins. Consuming Pregnancy Supplements during your pregnancy can help not only meet the nutrient requirements of you and your baby, but they also help prevent several deficiency-related diseases in the mother and the baby. Additionally, Prenatal Tablets that contain Vitamin D may also reduce your risk of Gestational Diabetes.
• Have an active Lifestyle – Having an active lifestyle before and during pregnancy positively impacts your body and reduces the risk of it. Ask your doctor about what sort of activities can you do to keep fit – Brisk walking, Yoga, and prenatal exercises may help you maintain your physique. Make sure you only start an exercise routine after consulting your doctor.

Take Away

It can be a dangerous pregnancy complication, but with the right awareness you can protect yourself and your baby. Make sure that your diet, prenatal vitamins, lifestyle and habits are all conducive towards making your pregnancy a healthy one. Your baby’s health depends upon your habits during pregnancy and can impact your baby well into adulthood, so make sure you are giving your baby the gift of good health by taking care of yourself during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is gestational diabetes?

A type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes typically appears around the 24th week of pregnancy. It influences how your body processes sugar, prompting high glucose levels.

2. What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?

Being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, being over 25 when pregnant, having previously given birth to a large baby, and having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are all risk factors for gestational diabetes.

3. How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is generally analysed through a glucose resistance test, where you’ll drink a sweet arrangement and have your glucose levels tried a while later.

4. What are the complications of gestational diabetes?

Complications of gestational diabetes can incorporate macrosomia (a huge child), preterm birth, toxaemia, and an expanded gamble of creating type 2 diabetes further down the road for both the mother and the kid.

5. How is gestational diabetes managed?

Gestational diabetes can be overseen through a mix of diet, work out, checking glucose levels, and once in a while prescription like insulin. It is essential to collaborate closely with your healthcare provider when developing a bespoke management strategy.