At the beginning of the third trimester, pregnant women receive their last round of prenatal blood tests, one of which is a test for gestational diabetes. A positive test result means a slightly higher pregnancy risk category. Yet, gestational diabetes is one of the more common complications of pregnancy, affecting approximately 4 percent of pregnant women annually, according to the American Diabetes Association. While it requires the extra vigilance of a doctor or midwife, rarely does it develop into a life-threatening situation.
Definition
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines gestational diabetes as a pregnant woman’s inability to produce enough insulin, which helps convert glucose into energy. It is usually diagnosed between weeks 26 and 28 of pregnancy and occurs in women who are not already diabetic. In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves itself within six weeks postpartum. Women who have gestational diabetes with one pregnancy have a higher chance of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies. They also have a slightly higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Gestational diabetes rarely has any noticeable symptoms, which is why adequate prenatal care is essential. Some women notice an increased thirst or pronounced exhaustion, but these are often features of a normal pregnancy as well. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include obesity, a family history of diabetes and a previously diagnosed case of gestational diabetes.
Treatment
Doctors and midwives advise patients with gestational diabetes to eliminate sugar, refined carbohydrates and caffeine from their diets, if they have not already. Exercise is a vital component of gestational diabetes treatment. Prenatal yoga, swimming and walking are all excellent choices. In severe cases, gestational diabetes warrants insulin shots.
Effects
In most cases, gestational diabetes can be controlled with treatment and not have adverse affects on mother or baby. However, there is a potential for the baby to develop macrosomia, which means that it grows too large for a vaginal birth. Baby Center notes that a mother’s gestational diabetes puts her baby at higher risk for jaundice, excess red blood cells and low blood calcium. In rare cases, the baby is stillborn.
Warning
By 30 weeks’ gestation, women typically monitor their fetal kick counts for their doctors or midwives. In other words, they watch for 10 fetal movements in any two-hour span. If the number of fetal movements drops below 10, they should contact their doctor or midwife immediately.
