Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life. However, it comes with unpredictable challenges. Gestational diabetes is one such issue that can take a toll on your health. It refers to the diabetes that crops up during pregnancy and is likely to go away on its own after delivery. If left untreated, gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications for the mother and the fetus. It’s important to schedule regular visits to an obstetrician in Thane West if you’ve gestational diabetes. They will offer tips and nutritional advice to manage it. In this post, we’ll explain what happens if gestational diabetes is not controlled.
What Happens If Gestational Diabetes Is Not Controlled?
Risks to the Mother
a) Pre-eclampsia:
An uncontrolled gestational diabetes can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, increased concentration of protein in your urine, and organ damage. The condition is severe and can cause life-threatening complications if not managed.
b) Type 2 Diabetes:
A mother who’s had gestational diabetes can develop type 2 diabetes later in life. To mitigate the risk, you must follow your doctor’s recommendation for keeping the blood sugar levels in check.
c) Increased Risk of Cesarean:
Increased blood sugar in the baby can result in excess growth. This makes c-section delivery a better and safer option.
Risks to the Baby
i) Excessive Birth Weight:
When high amounts of glucose pass through the placenta, it might cause macrosomia — a condition in which the baby’s weight increases rapidly. A large baby (above 4kgs) is at an increased risk of developing shoulder dystocia. They might also get stuck in the birth canal, making vaginal delivery complicated.
ii) Risk of Preterm Birth:
In mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes, there is a risk of a sudden spike in their blood pressure, which can cause pre-term birth. These babies are more likely to experience respiratory issues and other premature-delivery-related complications.
iii) Low Blood Sugar:
Neonatal hypoglycemia is a medical condition in newborns that causes a sudden drop in the baby’s blood glucose levels. This happens as a response to the increased production of insulin.
Long-term Effects on the Child
The high amount of insulin produced in babies when they are in the mother’s womb can affect their ability to manage glucose levels later in life, making them more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Besides, hypoglycemia (in severe cases) can cause brain damage. When your brain is deprived of glucose and oxygen for long periods, the part of it that controls motor skills and muscle control may get damaged.
Management and Prevention
Managing gestational diabetes is not just about skipping desserts. You need to follow up with your gynecologist and get a proper gestational diabetes treatment in Thane West to prevent complications. Here’s what you must do:
- See your doctor every month or as often as they recommend
- Follow a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Take prescribed medication
- Monitor your diabetes regularly
Gestational diabetes might sound intimidating, but it can be managed with proper care and a healthy diet. The good news is that it’s mostly temporary and will resolve as soon as your baby comes into the world.
