Gestational diabetes and its risks

Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar (glucose) that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born.It can occur at any time throughout pregnancy, despite the fact that it is more common in the second and third trimesters. Gestational diabetes occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin — a hormone that aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels – to satisfy your increased demands during pregnancy.

Related: Tubal pregnancy risks and treatment

equate pregnancy test faint positive

equate pregnancy test faint positive

Gestational diabetes

During pregnancy and after birth, gestational diabetes can pose issues for you and your kid. 

The risks can be reduced if the sickness is detected early and treated appropriately.

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Who is at risk?

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes while pregnant, however you’re at a higher risk if:

Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30 – calculate your BMI with the BMI healthy weight calculator.

You previously had a baby that weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth, or you previously had gestational diabetes.

If you are of South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern descent, 

One of your parents or siblings has diabetes (even if you were born in the UK)

If you have any of these symptoms, you should be offered a gestational diabetes screening during your pregnancy.

Related: Glucose test pregnancy and its importance

The signs and symptoms 

The majority of the time, there are no signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes.

The majority of cases are discovered during a prenatal diabetes screening when your blood sugar levels are examined.

If a woman’s blood sugar level rises too high (hyperglycemia), she may have symptoms such as:

increased thirst, the urge to pee more frequently than normal, a dry mouth, and exhaustion

However, several of these symptoms are common throughout pregnancy and are not always symptomatic of gestational diabetes.

If you’re concerned about any symptoms you’re having, talk to your midwife or doctor.

Related: Pregnancy test calculator week by week

clear blue pregnancy test very faint vertical line

clear blue pregnancy test very faint vertical line

What’s the impact of gestational diabetes on your pregnancy?

The majority of women with gestational diabetes have healthy babies and regular pregnancies.

However, gestational diabetes can lead to a variety of issues, including:

Your baby is becoming larger than usual, 

Which could cause complications during delivery and increase your chances of having induced labor or a cesarean operation.

polyhydramnios is a type of polyhydramnios. 

There is too much amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby) in the womb, which can lead to premature labor or delivery complications.

Giving delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy is known as preterm birth.

Preeclampsia is a disorder that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and, if left untreated, can result in pregnancy difficulties.

After your baby is born, he or she has low blood sugar or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), 

Which may necessitate medical treatment; your baby dies (stillbirth) – though this is uncommon.

You’re more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life if you have gestational diabetes.

Related: B6 And Unisom during Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

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All in all, Your midwife or doctor will ask you some questions during your first antenatal appointment (also known as a booking appointment) during week 8 to 12 of your pregnancy to see if you’re at an increased risk of gestational diabetes.

References:

nhs

amazon

Real Food for Gestational Diabetes: An Effective Alternative to the Conventional Nutrition Approach

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The Gestational Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan: A Balanced Eating Guide for You and Your Baby

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Gestational Diabetes: A Guide for Understanding, Coping With, and Treating Diabetes in Pregnancy

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Gestational Diabetes Cookbook: Tasty and Easy Recipes with Pregnancy-Friendly Food & 28-day Meal Plan that Won't Make You Fear for Your Baby'Health|You and Your Baby Will No Longer Be Alone!

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