Gestational Diabetes – Complications and How to Prevent It

If you develop oral infections, gum diseases, and fungal infections during the second trimester of your pregnancy you are most likely having gestational diabetes.  It is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and the condition occurs only temporarily. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore it. Gestational diabetes may increase the chances of the mother and the child developing diabetes later in their lives. It may also lead to several other complications which may endanger the life of both the mother and the baby.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy 

The placenta which carries the blood to your baby secretes many hormones which hinder the performance of Insulin in the baby’s body causing the baby’s blood sugar level to increase.

It is unknown why some women develop diabetes during pregnancy and others don’t. However, women who are at higher risk of developing it include those

Who get pregnant for the first time at a later age

Who are overweight

Who have a family history

Complications during Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of getting high blood pressure which leads to preeclampsia. It severely affects the blood clotting ability. Mothers who have it are at higher risk of developing diabetes during the next pregnancy and also type II diabetes later in their lives.

High blood pressure makes your baby’s pancreas produce more insulin. This makes the baby overweight as the insulin synthesizes more glucose in the body. Other such complications make you go for early labor and deliver a preterm baby.

Baby is at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia as insulin production is very high at the time of birth which is very dangerous and may lead to repeated seizures. 

Untreated gestational diabetes may also lead to early labor due to complications. These babies also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in their life.

How Do I Prevent Gestational Diabetes?

Reduce weight before pregnancy if you exceed the recommended weight.

Eat healthy foods. Do not snack on junk food and processed food. 

Be regular with exercise and yoga.

Keep your stress level under control.

Speak to your doctor if you think you have gestational diabetes.