Essential Information About Diabetes and Pregnancy

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