Gestational
diabetes is
a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. It typically
presents itself in the fifth month of pregnancy, and resolves itself
after the baby is delivered. Up to 10% of all pregnant women will
develop this condition, and many women who experience gestational
diabetes will be diagnosed with type II diabetes later in life.
Women
suffering from this condition may need medication to control their
blood sugar during their pregnancy, such as oral drugs or injections
of insulin. The following are some important facts about diabetes and
pregnancy:
Diagnosis
Most
doctors will perform a fasting glucose test on expectant mothers whom
they suspect may have gestational diabetes. This blood test is
relatively simple: blood is drawn after the woman has refrained from
eating and drinking for a minimum of eight hours, and the amount of
sugar in her blood is measured. A reading of 100 or higher may
indicate a problem. The test is usually repeated a second time to
verify the findings, and if the reading is again 100 or higher, the
woman will likely be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Complications
Associated with High Blood Sugar and Pregnancy
Preeclampsia
is a major concern for pregnant mothers-to-be who suffer from
diabetes. This disorder is categorized by dangerously elevated blood
pressure for which the only cure is to deliver the baby. A physician
may hospitalize a woman in this situation so that she can be placed
on bed rest and delivery can be postponed until the infant is old
enough to be born without complications.
Preeclampsia
usually presents itself following the 20th week of pregnancy, and is
the leading cause of numerous fetal complications, including an
unnaturally low birth weight, premature labor, and stillbirth.
Preeclampsia affects the placenta and can result in the mother having
seizures, also called eclampsia. The latter is the 2nd leading cause
of maternal death in the United States.
Controllable
high blood pressure is also a complication of gestational diabetes
that can affect the mother’s health. However, unlike the
dangerously high and out of control blood pressure mentioned above,
it is typically possible to treat this kind of hypertension with
medication.
In
addition, if gestational
diabetes is
left undiagnosed and untreated, the infant may be born with low blood
sugar, jaundice, or be too large for a vaginal delivery. If the
latter occurs, a c-section may be necessary in order to ensure that
the baby and the mother come through the delivery safely. The woman
may also go into premature labor if her blood sugar is not
controlled.
Preventative
Measures
When
a woman has been diagnosed with gestational
diabetes,
her doctor will likely refer her to a nutritionist who can suggest
dietary changes that may reduce health risks to both her and her
child. Physical activity is usually recommended as well, although the
mom-to-be must be careful to engage in safe activities and not
over-exert herself. Most doctors recommend swimming or walking,
as these are typically the best exercises for expectant mothers.
If
diet and exercise measures do not keep the woman’s blood sugar in
the target range, the aforementioned medication or insulin may be
necessary on a temporary basis until the child is born. Any woman who
has concerns about diabetes and pregnancy should speak to her doctor
or OB/GYN