Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Typically, it appears during the latter part of pregnancy and disappears as soon as the baby is born. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use glucose or sugar. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and health of your baby.
Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7% of all pregnancies. However, complications could arise if gestational diabetes is not addressed.
Symptoms
Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Increased thirst and more-frequent urination are possible symptoms.
Causes
The reason why some women develop gestational diabetes while others do not is still unknown. Excess weight before pregnancy often plays a role. Usually, a variety of hormones regulate blood sugar levels. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy make it more difficult for the body to effectively process blood sugar. This makes blood sugar rise.
Complications
Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
High blood sugar levels in the mother can lead to excessive growth (macrosomia). Babies weighing nine pounds or more are considered very large and are more likely to require a C-section.
The baby may also face low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth due to high insulin production. Other complications include premature birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and a higher likelihood of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life. In rare cases, untreated gestational diabetes can increase the risk of stillbirth.
How to manage it?
Managing gestational diabetes (GDM) is crucial for ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and baby. Here are some practical tips:
Eat healthy foods: Choose foods that are low in calories and fat and high in fiber. Focus on whole grains, fruits, and veggies. To help you reach your objectives without sacrificing taste or nutrition, aim for variety. Eat small, frequent meals to prevent spikes or drops in blood sugar.
Avoid Sugar and Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body maintain optimal blood sugar levels and support overall health. At the same time, avoid sugary beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened juices, as they can cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels.
Stay Active: Engage in moderate physical activities like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming, with your doctor’s approval. Exercise helps in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Plan for a Healthy Delivery: If you’re planning to get pregnant, losing extra weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy. Concentrate on implementing long-lasting dietary adjustments that will support you during pregnancy, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Stress Management: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques during pregnancy may help in managing gestational diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following medical advice will help you manage gestational diabetes and ensure a smooth pregnancy and delivery.
