Gestational diabetes is something that affects around 14% of expectant mothers and is something that occurs firstly only during pregnancy. The good news is that it also usually goes away after pregnancy and can be treated during the term of the pregnancy; you just need to know the signs of gestational diabetes.
What gestational diabetes is
Diabetes is when your body is unable to produce the right amount of insulin. This is required to regulate the sugar in the blood and using any sugar that is not needed for storage. Like other nutrients, your body needs extra while carrying a baby to term but this does not always happen. This is when the gestational diabetes occurs.
Knowing the signs of gestational diabetes
There are a few signs to look out for and they are all the same as other types of diabetes.
Excessive tiredness and thirst are two of the most common signs of gestational diabetes; even when you have had enough sleep and enough to drink, you will feel like you want more. Blurred vision and passing more urine are two others signs.
It is worth mentioning these to your midwife or doctor at your next checkup for the baby so they can schedule some tests for you.
You will usually have a test called the oral glucose tolerance test, which is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy as this is when the extra insulin is usually required.
How gestational diabetes affects the baby
The good news is that they may not be a problem – as long as you look after yourself.
You will need to control the problem as much as possible during the pregnancy to keep the baby healthy. Too much sugar is a problem for the unborn baby.
The main issue is that the baby will grow to be too large, which makes labor more difficult and painful – there are chances that you will need to have a cesarean section. There are also health problems after birth, including hypoglycemia and jaundice. It is important that you keep an eye out for the signs of gestational diabetes and then look after yourself.
Who is more at risk of gestational diabetes?
This can affect anyone but there are some who are more at risk. Those with a BMI of over 30 are the most likely candidates for the problem, as well as those who have had it in the past. Those who have a history of having diabetes in the family or those who are descendants of those at high risk of diabetes are more at risk.
However, just because those are the most likely suspects, you should always keep an eye out for the signs of gestational diabetes. At the same time, it is worth doing everything you can to control the amount of sugar in the blood. Exercise and a healthy diet are the best two options for this. Remember that you will not just be thinking about yourself here; there is a baby relying on you.
