Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It is one of the top health challenges that many women face during pregnancy.
If the woman had diabetes during pregnancy then she is most likely to pass it on to the child. There is also an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.
Gestational diabetes sets off a number of problems. The major risk is the birth of a ‘fat’ baby or a baby with excessive weight at birth. The condition is known as macrosomia. A common danger to the baby is damage to its shoulders during birth with normal delivery, therefore many doctors recommend a C-section.
Another risk for the baby is that he may develop breathing problems. One of the main causes of this is that because of the high sugar levels the mother may go into early labor before the baby is full-term. In addition, the doctor may feel it’s necessary to do an early delivery because of the excessive growth of the baby.
The exact causes of gestational diabetes are not known yet. But studies indicate that insulin resistance may be the main contributing factor. As the baby grows it is supported by the placenta. Hormones help the baby develop. But these hormones can block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. The mother’s body finds it hard to use insulin, so her requirement of insulin increases significantly and gestational diabetes is the result!
There are basic precautions you can take to prevent the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Make it a point to lose weight, if you are overweight.
- Be careful and choosy about your food
- Do exercises regularly with the approval of your doctor.
Keep in mind that many women who develop diabetes during pregnancy find that it’s only a temporary condition. The reality is that research indicates that babies who are born to mothers who had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop obesity and diabetes 2 or type 2 diabetes later in life.
A mother who has been diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy should keep in mind that this is a temporary challenge. However, it’s important to be carefully monitored by your medical team on a regular basis. In addition, take the necessary steps to do what you personally can to stay as healthy as possible.