You are pregnant, and your Rockville, Maryland, doctor has diagnosed you with gestational diabetes. What does this mean? Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy in some women. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can affect both mom and baby if not managed well. Here’s why speaking with a diabetes Rockville specialist is fundamental and essential.
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Avoiding an Overly Large Baby
Gestational diabetes can cause your baby to grow excessively. This is called macrosomia, and it can lead to a C-section delivery or shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s head comes out, but one or both shoulders get stuck). A large baby is also at risk for low blood sugar after birth and jaundice.
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Preventing Preeclampsia
It’s a condition that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If not treated, preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems for both mom and baby, including organ damage, stroke, and even death. Managing gestational diabetes may help prevent preeclampsia.
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Avoiding Miscarriage
Gestational diabetes is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. The risk of stillbirth is two to four times higher in women with gestational diabetes. Managing your condition can help reduce this risk.
There are several possible explanations for the link between gestational diabetes and miscarriage. One theory is that high blood sugar levels may damage the placenta, leading to pregnancy loss. Another possibility is that gestational diabetes may cause changes in the baby’s metabolism, making it more likely to miscarry.
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Preterm Delivery
Gestational diabetes is also linked to an increased risk of early delivery. Preterm delivery is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born early may have a higher risk of health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability.
Therefore, regular monitoring of sugar levels is crucial to ensure that gestational diabetes is managed well. You and your doctor will need to work together to develop the best plan for you and your baby.
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Reduce Chances of C-Section
Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby. It is also called a c-section. This is standard when a vaginal delivery is not possible or considered safer for the mother or baby.
Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to need a C-section delivery than women without the condition. A C-section is a major surgery that carries certain risks, such as infection, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia.
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Prevents Mother’s Health Issues
Gestational diabetes can also cause complications for the mother. These include an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease. Managing your condition can help reduce these risks.
It is much easier to bring such complications when blood sugar levels are standard. This is why it is crucial to work with your doctor to develop a plan that will help you manage your gestational diabetes. This may include regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels, dietary changes, and medication.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy in some women. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can affect both mom and baby if not managed well. There are several reasons why managing gestational diabetes is essential, including avoiding a large baby, preventing preeclampsia, reducing the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, and preventing complications with the mother’s health.
