How Diabetes and Pregnancy Relate To Each Other

There are many factors that come into consideration when a woman falls pregnant. Blood pressure is often monitored, along with weight and any aches or pains that the woman might feel. There are more serious illnesses that can be side-effects of pregnancy, threatening both mother and child. Yearly, about four percent (approximately 140,000) of American women who get pregnant will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. GD occurs during the latter stages of a pregnancy and can be a rather daunting diagnosis for any expectant parent.

The cause of gestational diabetes is largely unknown, although there is some link to pregnancy hormones and the placenta. If your body is unable to make or use all the insulin it needs, glucose remaining in the blood eventually reaches abnormally high levels.

Unlike other health problems, gestational diabetes does not normally result in birth defects; however, it can have repercussions for the baby. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes tend to be large and this can lead to injuries to the child's shoulders during the normal birthing process. The babies can have jaundice, low glucose levels and higher insulin levels than is the norm, as well as breathing problems. It is also believed that babies born with high insulin levels are at a higher risk for obesity.

Gestational diabetes can also cause problems for the mother, as delivering a larger-than-normal baby can be difficult and, in many instances, results in a caesarian section. In addition, gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type II diabetes later on in life.

Gestational diabetes or GD is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. It is normally identified in the last few months before giving birth. However, like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is treated by a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. In general, a balanced diet is required with some foods avoided in preference of others. A medical practitioner will provide advice on maintenance and control during the pregnancy and, if required, after the birth of the baby.

Moderate exercise is also recommended to help control gestational diabetes, although previous levels of physical activity have to be taken into account. Physical activity helps the body use up the excess glucose without the need for extra insulin. If you were not exercising before you got pregnant, it would be unwise to start any strenuous exercise at this stage of your pregnancy.

It is also important to monitor your sugar level closely. Set up a routine so that you know when to test your glucose level.

If gestational diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy, there is a great likelihood that it will go away once the baby is born. However, if a woman has gestational diabetes once, it is possible that she will have it again during future pregnancies. Some cases of type I and II diabetes are only discovered during pregnancies. In such cases, there will be the need for continued treatment even after giving birth.

To learn more go to Diabetes Education and at Diabetes Information