The condition which develops in a pregnant woman due to a large amount of sugar in her blood is known as gestational diabetes. Though it usually resolves itself after the delivery, it needs to be controlled for the proper health of the baby. When the pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin to regulate the excess sugar in the blood, gestational diabetes sets in. This usually happens in the later stages of pregnancy. Doctors usually suggest a series of tests if sugar is found in the urine during the antenatal check of the pregnant woman. The tests include random blood glucose test and glucose tolerance test.
Effects on pregnancy –
If the diabetes is controlled carefully, its ill-effects are minimized. The large amount of sugar in the blood can cross the placenta to the baby resulting in an abnormally large growth of the baby. Larger babies make the labor and the delivery difficult which increases the need for a caesarean section and it has its own cons.
Who is at risk?
Women suffering from gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies or who have given birth to large babies have high chances of developing it.
What are the symptoms?
Extreme thirst or abnormal fatigue is a sign of gestational diabetes but it is very difficult to detect gestational diabetes without a test. It is usually caught by the doctor during the regular antenatal check up.
Treatment –
Doctors would advise to cut down on sugar food and caffeinated drinks. Coffee and Cola are a strict no during gestational diabetes. Large meals are to be avoided and substituted by small snacks at frequent intervals. In extreme cases, insulin injections are prescribed.
Gestational diabetes calls for frequent ultrasound scans to keep a close check on the baby. It would be wise to keep a glucometer handy for monitoring the blood sugar level after every meal which would help the doctor to give better advice.
Exercise is the key –
Right amount of the suitable exercise during pregnancy helps in controlling gestational diabetes. The doctor can give tips to include exercise in daily activities. Exercising before pregnancy also helps in lowering the chances of developing gestational diabetes.
Pregnancy of a diabetic woman –
If a woman is diabetic, she should get her blood sugar level under control before conceiving. It is the same for overweight women. They should reduce their weight and check their blood sugar level before conceiving. The proper development of the baby is at risk if the blood sugar level is not under control in the initial stages of pregnancy. Though the pregnancy of a pregnant woman is considered high-risk, the problems can be avoided if the blood-sugar level is kept close to normal.
Post pregnancy diabetes –
Gestational diabetes gets normal within few hours post-delivery. The doctor would keep a check on the blood sugar level and a glucose tolerance test is advisable 3 months post-delivery. The chances of gestational diabetes getting resolved naturally are very high but some women suffering from obesity remain diabetic.
Also Read :
- Answers for 9 common questions that you get during pregnancy
- Best pregnancy diet to stay healthy during your pregnancy days
- Complications that arise during twin pregnancy
- Diet plan for pregnants – What should I eat during pregnancy
- Exercises during pregnancy days is a great idea to stay fit
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