Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs to a woman during pregnancy and the disease accounts for approximately less than 5% of all pregnancies in the United States. The pregnancy manages to trigger factors that will eventually lead to gestational diabetes if the woman is not careful in monitoring her health. Women who have diabetes even before they get pregnant are different from those who develop gestational diabetes when they get pregnant.
It is therefore important that all pregnant mother participate in screening around the 25th to 28th week of pregnancy unless they are of known to be of higher risk when earlier consultation with obstetric team / diabetes management team at from 12-14 weeks is important.
The Effect Of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes may be just for a limited amount of time but it can affect the health of the fetus or the mother if it is left untreated and unmanaged. There are several negative health implications for the fetus in particular if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled throughout the pregnancy. Primarily the baby can suffer from several metabolic health complications. A condition known as macrosomia is common as a result of unmanaged blood sugar levels among newly born children. Macrosomia means the baby is born with an unusually high birth weight and it may cause complications during delivery. For instance, if your baby is very large, you may have a more difficult delivery or you may need a cesarean section.
Shortly after delivery, your baby may also have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) because his body will still be producing extra insulin in response to receiving extra glucose from you. Low blood sugar can cause several health complications for the baby and is usually treated in the hospital with either a high glucose drink or injection. ‘Respiratory Distress Syndrome' or other respiratory problems occur frequently in a child whose mother was diagnosed with gestational diabetes as well. A minor complication known as jaundice, which is characterized by the slight discoloration of the baby's eyes and skin, is also not unusual.
What can I do if I have gestational diabetes?
It's important that you control your blood sugar level. Controlling and monitoring blood glucose levels should be the cornerstone of any diabetes management regiment for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Women should use a blood glucose testing meter and test their blood sugar regularly, several times a day.
You can manage gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and, if necessary, taking medication. Taking good care of yourself can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and a healthy start for your baby.
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