Gestational diabetes is diabetes that begins during pregnancy. It can cause high blood sugar, which in turn can affect the baby. A healthy pregnancy is possible if the diabetes is managed properly during the pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, four out of 100 pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.
Risk Factors
Medline Plus outlines the risk factors for development of gestational diabetes. Women who have a history of obesity or of having a child over 9 lbs. are at higher risk for developing gestational diabetes. Hispanic and women of African descent also have a higher risk. Age is also a factor. Women who are over age 25 that get pregnant are also more at risk. Persons in these categories should be screened for gestational diabetes.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of gestational diabetes is not known. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that impair the action of insulin, which breaks down sugar to be used as energy for the body. As the placenta grows, more hormones are produced which may impair the ability for the insulin to be used properly.
Possible Complications
Expectant mothers with diabetes tend to have larger babies at birth. This can lead to complications with delivery or a higher incidence of C-sections according to Medline Plus. Diabetes can also lead to the child having periods of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia in the first few weeks of life. Some women develop high blood pressure during the pregnancy, which in turn can lead to complications during birth for the mother. There is a higher incidence of newborn death when the mother has gestational diabetes.
Management
Careful management of diabetes during pregnancy is necessary in order to prevent related complications that can affect the mother and the child. Expecting mothers should work with their doctor and dietician in order develop a dietary plan that is sufficient to nourish the mother and child, yet keep the diabetes under control. Some women may need to take insulin injections in order to keep the blood sugars at a normal level. In addition, regular exercise can assist in maintaining good blood glucose control. Diabetes can be monitored at home by using a blood glucose monitoring machine. This requires a small drop of blood to be analyzed by the machine. In addition, regular visits with the obstetrician and endocrinologist will be necessary.
Prevention
While some may have a genetic predisposition to gestational diabetes, it is important that women who are planning on getting pregnant do what they can to prevent it. Since obesity is a risk factor, losing excess weight prior to conception is important. This means eating a healthy diet that is rich in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates is important. Regular exercise can also assist with prevention.
