Going to the doctor will become a regular routine throughout your pregnancy. You will undergo testing, ultrasounds, and weight checks. At first you may visit the doctor every couple of weeks. However, as your pregnancy progresses, you will eventually maintain regular weekly visits.
Monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar can help diagnose any conditions which may cause complications. All pregnant women will undergo an oral glucose tolerance test around 24-28 weeks into your pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes.
For some women, gestational diabetes will not present any obvious symptoms. They may be shocked to find out they have the condition. For other women, they may experience symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss (with an increased appetite)
Women who suffer from gestational diabetes have an increased risk of giving birth to a large baby. Delivering a 9 pound baby can present problems during labor. It can often be difficult and cause birth injury to the mother and baby. Doctors may have to use forceps to assist in vaginal deliveries.
Your doctor will closely monitor your due date with respect to your baby’s size. It is not considered safe to allow a pregnant woman suffering from gestational diabetes to go past her due date. Labor may need to be induced to prevent injury to the mother.
During the first few days after delivery, the baby may experience phases of low blood sugar. The mother and baby’s glucose levels will be closely monitored.
Many women find that gestational diabetes goes away within a few weeks of delivery. However, other women have an increased risk of developing diabetes 5-10 years after giving birth. Weight may also play a factor in gestational diabetes. Obese women have a greater chance of developing gestational diabetes and being diagnosed with diabetes later in life.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it will become very important to regularly check your blood sugar levels with a diabete testing machine.
For some, managing gestational diabetes starts with their diet. You want to receive enough nutrition and essential vitamins to maintain your energy levels and also allow the baby to fully develop. However, you want to choose foods that can do this without causing spikes in the blood glucose level.
Consuming 5-6 small meals throughout the day can ensure that your carbohydrates are distributed evenly enough to support a healthy sugar level. Eating a breakfast that isn’t packed full with carbohydrates is also recommended. Before bed, have a small snack that will help keep your sugar levels balanced throughout the night.
Pregnant women should choose water as their main beverage. It will provide hydration without unnecessary sugar. Eliminating sugary foods such as sodas, candy, syrups, jams, etc. is also recommended.
For some women, diet is not enough to control their sugar levels. They must administer insulin doses on a daily basis determined by their blood glucose readings.
It is estimated that up to 135,000 women get gestational diabetes every year. In order to have a safe pregnancy, be informed about the symptoms of gestational diabetes. Early detection is often the key to preventing any complications during labor.
The Women’s Center-Sidney is a pregnancy resource center that serves women of Shelby, Auglaize, Miami and surrounding counties in the state of Ohio. The center provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound scans, prenatal vitamins, consulting on pregnancy decisions and an educational and material assistance program.
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