Many women face various health issues during their pregnancy. One of the most common health concerns is gestational diabetes. It is a condition where blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy.

It occurs in women who don’t have diabetes before pregnancy. The condition can negatively affect both the mother and fetus, and it needs to be treated immediately.

What is Diabetes during Pregnancy?

Diabetes during pregnancy, also called gestational diabetes, is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2-10% of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones to support the growth and development of the fetus. However, some of these hormones can prevent insulin from working correctly.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. If the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use it efficiently, it can result in gestational diabetes.

Risk factors for Gestational Diabetes

There are several risk factors for gestational diabetes:.

Overweight or obese
Family history of diabetes
History of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Age (women over the age of 35 are at higher risk)
Previous pregnancy complications

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

In most cases, gestational diabetes does not produce any symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to get tested for diabetes during pregnancy, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Some women may experience some of the following symptoms:.

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision

Complications for the Mother

Untreated gestational diabetes can cause various complications for the mother, including:.

Preeclampsia
Infections
Cesarean delivery
Breastfeeding difficulties
Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Complications for the Fetus

Untreated gestational diabetes can also cause complications for the fetus, including:.

Macrosomia (large birth weight)
Birth injury
Breathing problems
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) at birth
Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

All pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor may order one of the following tests:.

Glucose challenge test (GCT)
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

If the doctor suspects that you have gestational diabetes, they may order additional tests or ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

If the doctor diagnoses gestational diabetes, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. In most cases, they will ask you to:.

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Eat a healthy diet that meets your nutritional needs
Exercise regularly
Take diabetes medication if needed

With proper treatment, most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies and recover completely from the condition.

Prevention of Gestational Diabetes

While some women are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, there are things you can do to minimize your risk:.

Reach and maintain a healthy weight before getting pregnant
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in nutrients
Exercise regularly before and during pregnancy
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly if you have a family history or have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes can be a hidden danger during pregnancy, causing various complications for both the mother and baby. However, with proper treatment, most women deliver healthy babies and recover from the condition after giving birth.

If you are pregnant, make sure to get tested for gestational diabetes and follow your doctor’s advice to minimize your risk and keep you and your baby healthy.