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Sehgal Nursing Home

Published Date

December 07, 2024

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Health

Gestational Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes Effects On Baby


Gestational Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes Effects On Baby

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that appears during pregnancy and is normally characterized by an inability of the body to produce enough insulin, which can regulate glucose levels. This condition is relatively common in pregnant women, and based on different statistics, it is estimated that up to 14-17% of pregnant women may experience the condition. In order to achieve glycemic control and a healthy pregnancy and delivery, it is important to be well informed about gestational diabetes and how the condition affects the pregnant woman as well as her baby.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

During the pregnancy, the placenta secretes hormones that cause insulin resistance, meaning that fewer cells in the body can utilize insulin. Insulin is required in the conversion of glucose to energy. When the pancreas cannot secrete enough insulin to overcome this, blood sugar levels become high and gestational diabetes occurs.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is asymptomatic because its symptoms are very hard to observe. Yet, some of the women may develop signs such as excessive thirst, increased frequency of urine production, always feeling worn out, and seeing things as if they are a blur. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other common symptoms of pregnancy complications that are normal signs of pregnancy. Hence, screening during the second trimester is recommended (usually between week 24 and 28) for early identification.

Effects of Gestational Diabetes on the Baby

Gestational diabetes can lead to several complications:

  • Macrosomia: When gestational diabetes is extremely hard to manage, babies will have a higher chance of being born oversized (more than 9 pounds). 
  • Hypoglycemia: Babies might develop hypoglycemia soon after birth because during pregnancy, high blood sugar levels cause the baby’s liver to produce a lot of insulin, and the baby is born without sufficient glycogen. This can cause the patient to feel anxious, nervous, or may cause them to become too weak, drowsy, or sleepy.
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Breathing problems may be a problem in infants with gestational diabetes because of the immature lungs inherited from the diabetic mother.
  • Increased Risk of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: When a child is born to a woman that had gestational diabetes, there are higher chances that he or she will end up being overweight when he or she is older and may also be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
  • Stillbirth: When blood glucose levels are not well controlled, especially in late pregnancy, there is a higher risk for stillbirth.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes must be well controlled since it results in increased risks to the life of the mother as well as her unborn child. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications such as:

  • Dietary Changes: Moderation in diet implies taking five small meals in a day, avoiding sugars and grains, and focusing on veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Regular Exercise: Intermittent increases in physical activity can lead to better insulin utilization and also keep the blood glucose level in order.
  • Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Monitoring brings about knowing how effective the management plans are by checking the blood glucose levels often.

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes is a condition developed during pregnancy that can be controlled but needs special attention before, during, and after pregnancy. It is therefore very important that pregnant women with gestational diabetes pay regular visits to their doctor and follow all the advice given to them. Those who think they have gestational diabetes or are prone to the disease should seek medical advice from the expert doctors of Sehgal Nursing Home regarding the right testing and management measures.

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