ffecting about 3-5% of all pregnancies, gestational diabetes is one of the top concerns related to pregnancy. But if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes (sometimes referred to as "glucose intolerance"), there is no need to panic; it is a condition that is manageable with diet and exercise and should disappear after you deliver.
However, this condition can have adverse effects on you and your baby, so it is important to take care of yourself and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women, generally in the third trimester. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot process the sugar, or glucose, in the blood properly. This results in a buildup of sugar – or glucose – in the blood.
Normally, glucose is processed into energy that is then used by the body. During gestational diabetes, this process does not occur. Since gestational diabetes can cause problems, it is carefully monitored.
Why Does Gestational Diabetes Happen During Pregnancy?
Although science has not given definitive answers as to why gestational diabetes occurs, there is a theory that placental hormones generated by pregnancy block the proper functioning of insulin, creating an "insulin resistance." Since insulin is needed to process sugar in the bloodstream, a buildup of sugar results in elevated blood sugar levels.
Am I at Risk?
The following factors could raise your risk of developing gestational diabetes:
If you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
If you have a family history of diabetes.
If you are overweight.
If you are over 30.
If you have had a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds at birth.
What are Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?
In most cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. In rare cases, you could experience unusual thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision. (Other signs like fatigue and nausea could easily be confused with the fatigue and nausea caused by… pregnancy!)
