When you are pregnant, your body undergoes lots of changes. These changes can affect your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. If diabetes is not well-controlled during pregnancy, it can lead to serious health problems for both you and your baby.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to manage diabetes during pregnancy and what to do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

What is Diabetes During Pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Women who have never had diabetes before may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

The hormones produced during pregnancy can affect the way your body uses insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can’t produce enough of the insulin it needs during pregnancy to lower your blood sugar levels. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause health problems.

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

Some women are at higher risk for developing gestational diabetes than others. The following are the risk factors:.

Being overweight or obese before pregnancy
Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A family history of diabetes
Having previously given birth to a large baby weighing over 9 pounds
Being over the age of 35
Being a member of certain ethnic groups such as African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, so it’s important to get screened for it during pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will order a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes.

This test involves drinking a sweetened liquid and having your blood sugar levels checked at intervals over a few hours. If you have gestational diabetes, your blood sugar levels will be higher than normal.

Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy

If you have gestational diabetes, you and your healthcare provider will need to work together to manage your blood sugar levels for the health of you and your baby. Here are some tips for managing diabetes during pregnancy:.

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Your provider will give you a glucose meter and teach you how to use it.
Follow a healthy eating plan, which may include frequent small meals throughout the day.
Exercise regularly as approved by your provider
Take insulin or other medications if prescribed by your provider
Attend regular prenatal appointments to monitor your and your baby’s health

Complications of Gestational Diabetes

Proper management of blood sugar levels during pregnancy can help prevent complications. However, if gestational diabetes is not well-controlled, it can lead to the following complications:.

Preeclampsia: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause high blood pressure, swelling, and other symptoms.
Macrosomia: This is a condition in which the baby grows larger than average. Large babies can lead to complications during delivery and may increase the risk of injury to both the mother and baby.
Hypoglycemia: This is a condition in which the baby’s blood sugar levels drop too low after birth. It can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Postpartum Care

After you have given birth, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure they return to normal. You’ll also receive guidance on how to continue managing your diabetes after pregnancy.

If you had gestational diabetes during one pregnancy, you are at increased risk of developing it again during a future pregnancy. You may also be at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life, so it’s important to continue to follow healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, and get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to complications if not well-managed. With proper prenatal care and management, most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies.

If you are at risk for gestational diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance on how to manage your diabetes during pregnancy and beyond.