Your body changes so much during pregnancy, right? At the same time, your body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. Simply put, this causes your blood sugar (glucose) to rise slightly. This helps provide more nutrition to your baby. However, if this sugar level gets too high, it can cause problems for both you and your baby. This is what we call gestational diabetes , or GDM . Don't be scared when you hear this name. With proper treatment, most mothers can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Let's talk about it all clearly.
How do I know if I have this condition?
When you find out you're pregnant, the first thing you'll do is see your doctor. At that time, he or she will assess your risk of developing GDM.
If you have any risk factors (for example, a family history of diabetes, being overweight), your doctor will check your blood sugar levels as soon as possible. Even if the results of that test are normal, you will need to have this test again between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Even if you don't think you're at particular risk, all pregnant women are usually referred for this test between 24-28 weeks .
There are two commonly used testing methods for this.
1. Glucose Challenge Test: You don't need to be hungry for this. Your doctor will give you a sugary drink and then check your blood sugar level one hour later.
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test is done if the results of the first test are abnormal. For this, the doctor will tell you to fast for a few hours before performing the test.
If it is confirmed that you have this condition, the doctor will carefully monitor your and your baby's health from then until delivery. So there is nothing to fear.
How will this affect my baby?
This is very simple to understand. Your baby gets its nutrition from your blood. So when your blood sugar level goes up, your baby gets that extra sugar too. Your baby's body stores this extra sugar as fat. As a result, your baby's body may become larger than normal. This can lead to some complications.
The important thing is that many of these risks can be minimized by following proper medical treatment and advice.
| Possible effects on the baby | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Possible dangers during childbirth | Because the baby's body is large, there is a chance that some discomfort or injury may occur during normal childbirth. |
| Low blood sugar and mineral levels at birth | After birth, the baby's blood sugar level may drop suddenly, but this is managed by doctors. |
| Jaundice | A condition in which a baby's skin turns yellow. This can be completely cured with treatment. |
| Premature birth | Sometimes the baby can be born before the due date. |
| Temporary breathing difficulties | The baby may have some breathing difficulties in the early days after birth. |
Later, when the child is older, the risk of obesity and diabetes may be slightly higher than other children. Therefore, it is very important to accustom your child to a healthy lifestyle from an early age . This can reduce these risks.
How does this affect me?
GDM can also have some effects on the mother.
- Increased chance of needing a cesarean section (C-section) .
- Risk of miscarriage.
- Increased risk of conditions such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia .
- Premature birth.
The good news is that your blood sugar levels will often return to normal after you have your baby. However, your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in the future and GDM if you get pregnant again is slightly higher. But don't worry, you can greatly reduce that risk by following a healthy lifestyle.
Many women with GDM give birth naturally, without a cesarean section. So be open and honest with your doctor about your delivery . Don't be afraid to ask questions like, "Do I need a C-section?", "How accurate are the estimates of my baby's weight?", "What are the risks to me and my baby if I have a normal delivery?"
Things you can do: Step by step
There are many things you can do to control this situation.
Eat a healthy diet.
Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to create a meal plan that will help you control your blood sugar levels. You should limit the amount of carbohydrates (starches) you eat, as they cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Avoid foods high in sugar, such as sugary drinks, cakes, and biscuits.
Add fiber-rich foods to your diet. You can get these from vegetables, fruits, whole grains (oats, barley), and legumes. Just think, a survey found that adding 10 grams of fiber to your diet per day reduces the risk of developing this type of diabetes by about 26%!
Exercise.
It's important to get some physical activity every day to help control your blood sugar levels. Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, a day . Another study found that women who exercised for about 4 hours a week before and during pregnancy reduced their risk by about 70%. But be sure to ask your doctor about what kind of exercise you should do and how long you should do it.
Follow these health habits even after giving birth
Continue this healthy diet and exercise routine after you have your baby. It's also important to get back to a healthy weight. You don't have to lose weight all at once. Even losing 5% to 7% of your total weight can make a big difference.
Don't miss doctor appointments.
Never miss a visit to the clinic or a visit to the doctor. It is very important for the safety of both you and your baby. You may also need to have regular scans (ultrasounds).
Check your blood sugar level.
If your doctor advises you, you should check your blood sugar levels at home several times a day. This is the best way to manage the condition.
Take your prescribed medications exactly as prescribed.
Some mothers are unable to control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe insulin or other medications. It is essential to take these medications at the right time and in the right dosage.
When to see the doctor
You need to be extra careful about your health when you have GDM. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
| In such a case, call your doctor immediately. |
|---|
| If you are sick and cannot follow the prescribed diet plan. |
| If you have symptoms of high blood sugar : difficulty concentrating, headache, excessive thirst, blurred vision, or weight loss. |
| If you have symptoms of low blood sugar : restlessness, confusion, dizziness, headache, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, tremors, pale skin, sweating, or weakness. |
| If you check your sugar level at home and it is outside the range of numbers given by your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Gestational diabetes (GDM) is nothing to be afraid of. It is a condition that can be managed well.
- A healthy diet and daily exercise are the best ways to control this condition.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Check your blood sugar levels on time, take your medications, and don't miss your clinic appointments.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms in your body (increased or decreased blood sugar), do not delay in informing your doctor.
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