Gestational diabetes is found in pregnant women. It causes high blood sugar and can affect the pregnancy and baby’s health. However, expectant mothers with gestational diabetes can control their elevated blood sugar levels by making lifestyle changes such as eating healthy food, regular exercise, and taking medications. These lifestyle changes would help the mother and the baby to be healthy and prevent further complications.

Some of the common symptoms of gestational diabetes are more frequent urination and increased thirst. The hormonal changes and excess weight before pregnancy are some of the prominent causes of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Managing gestational diabetes would help you to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

  • Risk Factors & Complications :

Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes include the following:

  • Diabetes in family
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Gestational diabetes, when not managed properly, can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels and may lead to complications for the baby and the mother.

  • Complications For The Baby :
  • Excessive birth weight – Mother suffering from gestational diabetes can give birth to a child with a higher weight.
  • Preterm delivery – Elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm delivery.
  • Breathing difficulties – Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have breathing difficulties.
  • Hypoglycemia – Sometimes, the mothers may have low blood sugar after the delivery.
  • Obesity – There is a higher risk of babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Stillbirth – Untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to a baby’s death before or soon after the delivery.
  • Complications For The Mother :
  • High blood pressure – Mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure after the delivery.
  • C-section delivery – There is an increased chance of C-section delivery if the mother has gestational diabetes.
  • Prevalence of diabetes in the future – Mothers who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Prevention & Treatment :

As gestational diabetes is majorly caused due to hormonal changes, there is no specific way to prevent it. However, healthy choices can help you to reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the future. Some of the tips that would allow you to prevent it are as follows:

  • Eat healthy foods
  • Be physically active
  • Plan your pregnancy at a healthy weight
  • Avoid weight gain

The doctors would prescribe some screening tests to confirm increased levels of blood sugar. The tests prescribed by the doctor include an initial glucose challenge test and follow-up glucose tolerance testing. Once the tests are confirmed, then treatment of gestational diabetes would be easier. The treatment includes –

  • Lifestyle changes – This would include eating healthy and exercising regularly. A healthy diet includes healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains that are high in nutrition. Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels.
  • Monitoring blood sugar levels – The doctor would advise you to keep track of your blood sugar levels regularly. This would help keep the sugar levels within the desired range.
  • Medications – Along with diet and exercise, medications also help lower blood sugar levels. Insulin is one such medication that would help to reduce blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, as there are many hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. For a healthy pregnancy and child, you will have to make some lifestyle changes, and the doctor would prescribe a few medications to maintain the blood sugar levels and avoid further complications. You can buy these medications online through StayHappi, a one-stop solution to all your medical supplies at an affordable rate and delivered at your doorstep. Buy your diabetes medicine online in simple and easy steps through StayHappi and enjoy your pregnancy period to the fullest.