How Diabetes and Pregnancy Relate To Each Other

There are many factors that come into consideration when a woman falls pregnant. Blood pressure is often monitored, along with weight and any aches or pains that the woman might feel. There are more serious illnesses that can be side-effects of pregnancy, threatening both mother and child. Yearly, about four percent (approximately 140,000) of American women who get pregnant will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. GD occurs during the latter stages of a pregnancy and can be a rather daunting diagnosis for any expectant parent.

The cause of gestational diabetes is largely unknown, although there is some link to pregnancy hormones and the placenta. If your body is unable to make or use all the insulin it needs, glucose remaining in the blood eventually reaches abnormally high levels.

Unlike other health problems, gestational diabetes does not normally result in birth defects; however, it can have repercussions for the baby. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes tend to be large and this can lead to injuries to the child's shoulders during the normal birthing process. The babies can have jaundice, low glucose levels and higher insulin levels than is the norm, as well as breathing problems. It is also believed that babies born with high insulin levels are at a higher risk for obesity.

Gestational diabetes can also cause problems for the mother, as delivering a larger-than-normal baby can be difficult and, in many instances, results in a caesarian section. In addition, gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type II diabetes later on in life.

As with any other type of diabetes, controlling the gestational type is possible with diet, exercise, and medication. With this type of diabetes, treatment is normally started as soon as it is known that the mother-to-be has GD. Diet plans are normally given to the expectant mother so that she can help control her blood sugar level. Foods from all the food groups should be eaten for a well-balanced diet, with greater portions of vegetables and whole grains.

Moderate exercise is also recommended to help control gestational diabetes, although previous levels of physical activity have to be taken into account. Physical activity helps the body use up the excess glucose without the need for extra insulin. If you were not exercising before you got pregnant, it would be unwise to start any strenuous exercise at this stage of your pregnancy.

It is also important to monitor your sugar level closely. Set up a routine so that you know when to test your glucose level.

The good news about gestational diabetes is that it normally disappears a few weeks after you have given birth. However, in some cases, type I or type II diabetes is discovered during pregnancy. In these cases, treatment will have to be continued for life. It is important to know that in some cases, if an expectant mother has gestational diabetes, she will likely have it again during subsequent pregnancies.

To learn more go to Diabetes Medication and at Diabetes Information