Diabetes during Pregnancy - Everything You Should Know

Gestational diabetes, also known as diabetes during pregnancy, is a joy-killer. Even though this is a temporary condition, the Mom-to-be experiences high blood sugar levels and health issues. 

Gestational diabetes needs to be treated as soon as possible in order to safeguard the baby and the mother from minor to severe health complications. 

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

The body stops responding and producing Insulin which helps the body digest the sugar content in the food. It is secreted by pancreas and during the course of pregnancy the placenta releases hormones that make sugars pile up in the body. 

Even though the pancreas can release enough insulin, the body not being able to handle it, results in increased blood sugar levels (gestational diabetes). 

Symptoms of Diabetes during Pregnancy

There are no visible symptoms of gestational diabetes. Even though there are any symptoms that would be viewed as pregnancy symptoms. 

However, if you are thirstier, hungrier, and have the urge to pass the urine more than usual, get yourself checked with your nearest gynecologist. 

The Risk Factors

Not every pregnant woman gets gestational diabetes. However, knowing your risk factors will help you figure out sooner for better treatment for gestational diabetes. 

 

• Overweight: Being overweight is directly linked to diabetes. Get a screening if you are overweight, and exercise during pregnancy to manage your weight. 

• Family and Medical History: If you have a close family member who had diabetes or if you have had it earlier the pregnancy can improve the risk of gestational diabetes. 

• Medical Complications: Having high cholesterol levels in the body, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions. 

• Pregnancy History: If you have had a miscarriage before, and if you have given birth to a large baby (more than 4 kilograms), or have had the history of gestational diabetes or given birth to a stillborn baby or baby with birth complications

• Age at the Time of Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes can be observed more in women who are above 25 years of age. 

Gestational Diabetes - The Risks to the Baby

Gestational diabetes should be identified and treated during the pregnancy. If not here are the complications that a baby would face during the pregnancy period.

• Birth defects like miscarriages are more likely to occur. 

• High blood pressure, lower oxygen levels, high blood sugar levels, low iron levels.

• Underdeveloped vital organs such as the brain, neuro system and enlarged heart. 

In cases where the diabetes is not properly managed, there are other complications that can occur after the birth. 

• Premature birth and large baby. Baby being large (macrosomia) can lead to shoulder injuries. 

• Defects in various organs and systems such as lungs, heart, brain, and the spinal cord. 

• Thickened blood with high levels of red blood cells and enlarged heart. 

• Long-term health issues such as breathing issues, diabetes and underdevelopment.

Treatment for Diabetes during Pregnancy

Diagnosis: Upon the consultation, your gynecologist will screen you for diabetes if you have the risks of diabetes based on your health and medical history. 

The screening process for gestational diabetes will occur during the 24 and 28 weeks into the pregnancy. 

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is conducted to check the sugar levels. Besides, the doctor might also suggest the one-step test and two-step test that will be taken after a particular time post taking a particular dosage of sugar. 

If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the healthcare provider will explain the treatment process, complications, how you can avoid them, and closely monitor your blood sugar levels and the baby’s growth. 

Monitoring: 

• Your healthcare provider might suggest you to take prescribed medications and ask you to take a sugar level test every day. 

• Baby’s blood is also checked to measure the sugar, iron, oxygen, blood cells, and other vitals. 

Tracking the Development: 

• Baby’s organ development and their functional progress is measured at regular intervals. 

• If there are any pregnancy issues, your healthcare provider will give the further course of action. 

Preventing the Gestational Diabetes

Eating a healthy diet, monitoring the weight, and regularly checking for gestational diabetes if you come under the risk is the way to go to prevent it. 

The role of your gynecology doctor becomes crucial in having a safe delivery and healthy baby if you have been diagnosed with diabetes in pregnancy. Choose the best gynecology hospital for better care and monitoring.