Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Gestational diabetes occurs due to an increase in hormones during pregnancy which causes the body to become unable to use sugar (glucose) properly. This results in higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood and can adversely affect both mother and baby. It is often noticed during weeks 24-28 of gestation. Common signs of gestational diabetes include blurred vision, tiredness, frequent infections, increased urination and thirst, and nausea. It is usually diagnosed after the routine tests conducted during pregnancy.
How does Gestational Diabetes happen?
It occurs when placental hormones block insulin action in the body which leads to high blood glucose levels. Women who are over 35 years old, overweight, have had gestational diabetes before, or are from certain ethnic backgrounds are at higher risk of developing this condition. Other factors include a family history of type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, having had a large baby previously, and taking certain types of anti-psychotic or steroid medications.
How Do Doctors Test for Gestational Diabetes?
Pregnant women are usually screened for gestational diabetes between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have a higher risk of developing the condition, you may need to be tested earlier. The test involves fasting for 10 hours and then drinking a 75g glucose solution before further blood tests are taken at 1 or 2 hours intervals. This is referred to as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Two further blood samples will then be taken one and two hours later, and the individual and requires patient to remain in the laboratory for the full 2-hour duration.
Is gestational diabetes common?
It’s estimated that 3-5% of women will develop high blood sugar (diabetes mellitus) during pregnancy. This means that for every 20 pregnant women, about 1 is likely to experience gestational diabetes. Fortunately, it can usually be managed with diet and exercise and typically goes away after the baby is born. However, some women may require insulin to control their diabetes in order to reduce the risks associated with it. If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to take it seriously. With good care and follow up, the immediate risks to mom and baby can be minimized.
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What are the methods to monitor gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
Prenatal Visit – Prenatal visits are important for those with gestational diabetes. The Best Gynecologist in Ahmedabad monitors the health of both you and your baby, discuss diet, reviews blood sugar levels, and adjusts insulin dosage. Your doctor will likely recommend more frequent visits once every week or two to monitor your diet, review blood sugar levels, test for insulin levels (if necessary), and adjust the insulin dosage over the course of the pregnancy if needed. Ultrasound might also be used to measure fetal size and growth.
Nonstress Testing – Nonstress testing is a type of test done late in pregnancy to monitor the health of the baby and assess risk factors, growth rate, and well-being. The test helps assess whether there may be any risks associated with a particular pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels. This can help doctors make informed decisions about your care and keep both you and your baby safe throughout the pregnancy.
Could I have a healthy pregnancy with it?
Having gestational diabetes doesn’t mean that you do not have a healthy pregnancy and baby. With the right treatment and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can still manage your blood sugar level and have a successful pregnancy. Make sure to talk to the Gynecologist in Ahmedabad for an understanding of what to expect and how you need to take care of your blood sugar during this time for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
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