Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through many changes during a pregnancy. One of these changes can be the way the body processes glucose. Individuals receive their main source of fuel from glucose.
Gestational diabetes can cause harm to an unborn child. Most women are diagnosed during their 28 week of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is less likely to cause harm to a pregnant mother. A mother produces high levels of glucose in her body with gestational diabetes, and will unable to absorb it fast enough. Gestational diabetes is a serious medical conditional, and will need the proper treatment from a health care provider. Those who are more likely to develop gestational diabetes are those who are overweight, have had large births prior to their pregnancy, and have a family history of the condition.
The condition can be managed through eating healthy foods and exercising. Some individuals may require medication treatment. Most women’s glucose levels will return to normal after their pregnancy. However, most women who develop gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Most women that acquire gestational diabetes may not have any symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may notice an increase of being thirsty, or they may have to urinate more frequently. Urination occurs even if a woman has not taken in a significant amount of fluid.
It is recommended that individuals who are trying to get pregnant should get medical attention before the pregnancy. Early detection of gestational diabetes can prevent severe health care problems in the future.
Problems that occur during gestational diabetes that could occur are preeclampsia and breathing problems with baby. Mothers who are diagnosed with the condition will be monitored throughout their pregnancy. Mother’s glucose levels will need to be monitored closely. Some individuals can purchase a glucose meter; this meter can be used for mothers to monitor their glucose levels at home. Individuals taken medication to treat gestational diabetes will also have to monitor their glucose level to keep their sugar from dropping too low.
There are a lot of symptoms individuals will have to look for with low blood sugar such as, shakiness, losing consciousness, paleness and extreme hunger.
Untreated diabetes can cause a very unhealthy baby. The condition associated with gestational diabetes in babies is known as macrosomia. Some refer to macrosomia as “fat” baby. These babies can grow uncontrollable in weight. Some babies have been known to weigh as much as 14pounds at birth. Gestational pregnancies can result in an emergency c-section. It depends upon how large the baby is measuring. Babies with the condition have a lot of illnesses of their own. Babies who are affected by gestational diabetes are more likely to get type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes should be treated as a serious medical condition. Women who suspect they may be at risk for having the condition should be tested by their health care provider. Only a health care provider can make the proper diagnosis, and decide what form of treatment a pregnant mom will need.