Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that a woman develops when she is pregnant. She doesn’t have it prior to pregnancy, and she usually doesn’t continue to have it after she gives birth. Unfortunately, it is a complication of pregnancy and can cause problems for both the mother and the baby. Keep reading to become more knowledgeable about understanding gestational diabetes: causes and risk factors.
What Is Gestational Diabetes and Its Causes?
Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes impacts how your cells utilize sugar. This condition leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which can pose risks to both your pregnancy and the health of your baby. 3 to 8% of all pregnant women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs when hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin properly. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed into the cells. It is not due to a deficiency of insulin like Type 1 diabetes, but by pregnancy hormones that diminish insulin’s effectiveness, namely insulin resistance. These symptoms will disappear after delivery.
What Are Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes?
Your OBGYN will usually check for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks or sooner especially if you have any of the following risk factors:
- You had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
- You gave birth to a baby over 9 pounds
- You are overweight
- Type 2 diabetes runs in your family
- You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- You are African American, Latino, American Indian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, or a Pacific Islander
- You have pre-diabetes
- Sometimes age is a factor
What Are Potential Complications for Baby?
Any complications are generally manageable and preventable with careful control of blood sugar levels as soon as the diagnosis is made.
If not managed properly it can lead to some complications for your baby.
- Your baby may be overweight, and your baby may need a C-section, get caught within the birth canal, or may experience birth injuries.
- It may increase the chance of early labor and delivery.
- Your baby may develop serious breathing issues.
- Babies may develop low blood sugar or hypoglycemia which may lead to seizures or require intravenous glucose (sugar).
- It can result in stillbirth or death just before or after birth.
What Are Potential Complications for Mom?
If not treated and managed in a timely manner gestational diabetes can cause you to need a C-section or surgical delivery.
- You may develop very high blood pressure (preeclampsia) which is dangerous for you and your baby with other serious symptoms.
- There will be an increased risk that you will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Talk with our team at All About Women about how to prevent gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, especially if you have other risk factors. Call (703) 437-0001 to schedule an appointment in Reston or Leesburg, VA.
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