What to expect with gestational diabetes
Pregnancy triggers many changes in the body, some of which may affect your body’s ability to process glucose effectively. This could result in gestational diabetes.
Around 9% to 25% of women in South Africa are affected by gestational diabetes. This condition could have serious implications for both mother and baby, so it’s important to diagnose and manage gestational diabetes early.
Risk factors
The risk for gestational diabetes increases in pregnant women older than 35 years, living with prediabetes, overweight or obese, and those with a family history of diabetes.
Complications associated with gestational diabetes
If left undiagnosed or unmanaged, gestational diabetes can lead to the following complications:
Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes
In many cases, gestational diabetes presents no obvious symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include:
As these symptoms can be dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms, routine screening during pregnancy is essential.
Pregnancy screening and management
Gestational diabetes isn’t a reflection of anything a parent has done wrong. It’s a medical condition caused largely by changes during pregnancy and can happen to anyone.
Management of the condition includes regular antenatal check-ups, which include checking blood sugar levels, following a balanced diet, and staying physically active when medically recommended.
Early detection and appropriate care will help to ensure a healthier pregnancy and healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.
References:
Around 9% to 25% of women in South Africa are affected by gestational diabetes. This condition could have serious implications for both mother and baby, so it’s important to diagnose and manage gestational diabetes early.
Risk factors
The risk for gestational diabetes increases in pregnant women older than 35 years, living with prediabetes, overweight or obese, and those with a family history of diabetes.
Complications associated with gestational diabetes
If left undiagnosed or unmanaged, gestational diabetes can lead to the following complications:
- Painful birth due to a larger-than-normal infant
- Induced labour
- Caesarean section
- High blood pressure
Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes
In many cases, gestational diabetes presents no obvious symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Recurring infections, such as yeast infections
As these symptoms can be dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms, routine screening during pregnancy is essential.
Pregnancy screening and management
Gestational diabetes isn’t a reflection of anything a parent has done wrong. It’s a medical condition caused largely by changes during pregnancy and can happen to anyone.
Management of the condition includes regular antenatal check-ups, which include checking blood sugar levels, following a balanced diet, and staying physically active when medically recommended.
Early detection and appropriate care will help to ensure a healthier pregnancy and healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.
References: