Pregnancy is a beautiful journey brimming with excitement and anticipation. However, amidst the joy, some concerns, like gestational diabetes, can arise. This condition, if left unmanaged, can impact both mom and baby.
The challenge? Gestational diabetes often shows no obvious symptoms. So, how do you know if you might have it?
This blog delves into the signs of gestational diabetes in pregnancy, along with important information on diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.
What is Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy and usually disappear after giving birth.
It can happen at any point during pregnancy but is more common between 24 and 28 weeks into pregnancy.
This condition happens when your body fails to produce sufficient insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels, to meet the increased demands of pregnancy.
Although gestational diabetes poses risks for both mother and baby during and after pregnancy, early detection, and effective management can mitigate these risks significantly.
Signs of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
While gestational diabetes may not present any obvious signs or symptoms, some gestational diabetes symptoms in pregnancy:
Drinking more than normal and feeling unusually thirsty.
A dry mouth – despite drinking a lot.
Needing to urinate more frequently than usual.
Persistent fatigue or feeling unusually tired.
Nausea, especially after meals or snacks.
Blurriness in vision, affecting the eye’s ability to focus properly.
Itching in the genital area or recurring episodes of yeast infection.
However, some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy and may not always indicate gestational diabetes. Speak to your gynecologist if you’re worried about any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Also Read: White discharge during pregnancy
Risk of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can affect any woman during pregnancy, but the risk is higher if you:
Are over 40 years
Have a BMI exceeding 30
Previously delivered a baby who weighed 4.5kg or more at birth
Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Have parents or siblings who have diabetes
However, some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy and may not always indicate gestational diabetes. Speak to your gynecologist if you’re worried about any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Complications Associated With Gestational Diabetes
When blood sugar is not well controlled in a woman with gestational diabetes, it can pose risks for both the pregnant woman and the baby:
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Baby growing larger than usual
Too much fluid in the womb
Low blood pressure
C-section delivery
Premature labour
Baby developing low blood sugar and jaundice
Breathing problems in baby at birth
Gestational diabetes also raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s advised to undergo a blood test for diabetes 6 to 13 weeks after delivery and once every year after that if the result is normal.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
The screening test for gestational diabetes, known as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), typically takes about 2 hours.
During the test, you’ll have a blood sample taken in the morning after fasting for 8 to 10 hours. Following this, you’ll given a glucose drink to consume.
After a 2-hour rest period, another blood sample will be taken to evaluate your body’s response to the glucose.
Typically, the OGTT is performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, if you have a history of gestational diabetes, you may undergo an OGTT earlier in your pregnancy. Subsequently, another OGTT may be conducted at 24 to 28 weeks if the initial test results are normal.
Also Read: What are some life-threatening pregnancy complications?
Management and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes in pregnancy treatment and management involves the following:
Eat healthy foods: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Strive for variety to help you achieve your dietary goals without compromising taste or nutrition.
Keep active: Exercising during pregnancy can help protect you from gestational diabetes. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least 5 days a week to promote overall health and well-being.
Blood sugar monitoring: Monitor blood sugar using a glucose meter four or more times a day to ensure the level stays within a healthy range.
Medication: Take insulin, if needed, to control blood sugar levels.
Close monitoring of your baby: Get repeated ultrasounds or other tests throughout the pregnancy to check for the baby’s growth and development.
Follow-up after delivery: Get tested for diabetes after delivery and again in 6-12 weeks after pregnancy.