Problems Caused by Diabetes in Pregnancy

Being pregnant can lead to changes in your hormone, increasing blood sugar level. Gestational diabetes can increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Therefore, an understanding of its problems and treatment is very important.

How will your baby be affected?

As your baby receives nutrients from your blood, your higher blood sugar can have an effect on your baby as well. The way additional sugar is stored in the baby’s body is similar to the way fat is stored, so the baby can become larger than usual. Here are some particular complications babies are likely to experience:

• Injuries in course of delivery in view of their size
• Low blood sugar and mineral levels when the baby is born
• Yellowing of the skin
• Pre-term birth
• Short-term breathing problems

The baby may be more likely to be obese and have diabetes at some time later in life. Therefore, advise and guide your child to lead a healthy lifestyle. This is very important because your baby can reduce the risks of these problems.

How will you be affected?

• There is more likelihood that you will need a C-section
• You may have miscarriage
• You may experience high blood pressure or preeclampsia
• Pre-term birth may happen

After your delivery, the blood sugar is highly likely to be back to normal. However, you may be at risk of developing diabetes (type II) later or gestational diabetes one more time when you are pregnant again. You can reduce the risk by leading a healthy lifestyle. Help yourself like the way you help your child to make sure obesity and diabetes are far away from you.

You may require a C-section, but a lot of women with gestational diabetes have regular vaginal births. Discuss delivery options with your doctor or midwife.

What you can do

• Eat healthy foods. Make sure you have a habit of eating healthy to lower your blood sugar. Limit the number of carbohydrates that you consume because they are likely to make your blood sugar soar. Stay away from high-sugar foods and drinks.
• Maintain your medical appointment. Your health and your baby’s health may be at risk of problems related to diabetes if continually skip your medical appointment. Meet your doctor frequently and have your baby’s health checked with tests advised by doctors. Some can be ultrasound or non-stress tests.
• Have blood sugar test. This is one of the main ways to supervise your health. Check your blood sugar a couple of times a day.
• Follow prescribed medication. For some women, blood sugar can only be controlled by insulin or some certain medications. Therefore, adhere to your doctor’s prescription.
• Keep an eye on signs of blood sugar changes.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.