What You Need to Know About Gestational Diabetes

Throughout pregnancy, women go through many changes. Some changes like weight gain and a growing round belly are quite noticeable, while many other changes are not visible. Things that are not easily noticed without medical technology include the development of your growing baby, how much amniotic fluid is inside your uterus, and things like how much sugar is in your blood. It is imperative that all women keep regular prenatal appointments throughout their entire pregnancy. While knowing the gender of your baby may not be something you choose to find out, you need to know if there are medical concerns that place you and/or your baby at risk.

Gestational diabetes is a severe complication that must be given special attention. This is a complication that typically has no warning signs or symptoms. Still, it can put women at high risk for many issues. Gestational diabetes occurs when you have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes did not have diabetes before they became pregnant, and it is most commonly found during routine pregnancy screening tests. Gestational diabetes affects approximately 7% of pregnancies each year. It is caused when the pancreas does not make enough insulin to handle the excess buildup of glucose in the blood during pregnancy. Women who were overweight before they became pregnant, have a family history of diabetes, or who gain a lot of weight during pregnancy are more likely to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes must be closely monitored throughout their pregnancies to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels and their baby’s health. Gestational diabetes can lead to very large babies that cannot travel through the birth canal, and it can also lead to the risk of preterm delivery for those mothers whose high blood sugar induces early labor.

At Marietta OB-GYN, we proudly provide exceptional obstetrical care, including gestational diabetes screening and medical care. Women who test positive for gestational diabetes will also be closely monitored after delivery. Mothers with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes after delivery. Please contact Marietta OB-GYN today to schedule an appointment. Your prenatal care is our greatest concern.