Approximately 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop a condition called gestational diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Gestational diabetes can result in unusually high blood sugar levels that may be dangerous to a developing baby. Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
No Symptoms
Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms in pregnant women. Women older than age 25 who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing this pregnancy complication, warns the NDIC. Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy can help women avoid developing gestational diabetes. Expectant mothers should be monitored throughout the duration of the pregnancy to ensure that any medical complications are quickly detected and resolved.
Increased Thirst or Urination
High levels of sugar within the blood are toxic to a pregnant woman's body and developing baby. The kidneys help flush this toxin from the body by working harder to generate urine. As a result, pregnant women with gestational diabetes can experience increased or frequent urination as a symptom of this condition, warns PDRHealth. Excess fluid loss from the body can increase a woman's thirst. These gestational diabetes symptoms are typically temporary and will resolve after a woman gives birth.
Excessive Fatigue
A pregnant woman who has unusually high sugar levels in her body can't generate the energy she needs to support her body's normal functions. As a result, women with gestational diabetes can experience excessive fatigue, explains BabyCenter, an informational website for parents and parents-to-be. Increased fatigue can make it difficult for an expectant mother to remain alert throughout the day while at work or home. A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes may need to take frequent naps during the day or may sleep longer than normal.
Recurrent Infections
High sugar levels in the blood can make a pregnant woman more susceptible to developing infections. Consequently, pregnant women with gestational diabetes may develop recurrent skin, vaginal or urinary tract infections due to this pregnancy complication, reports PDRHealth. Pregnant women should have regular checkups with a doctor to ensure infections are promptly detected and treated.
Blurred Vision
Expectant mothers can experience unusually blurred or cloudy vision as a symptom of gestational diabetes, explains PDRHealth. Vision changes can result in additional symptoms such as headaches or dizziness. Pregnant women who develop blurred vision should seek medical care as soon as possible.
