In addition to the commonly discussed Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are additional forms of diabetes. One that can be particularly terrifying is called gestational diabetes, and it occurs during pregnancy. At such a vulnerable time in a woman’s life when she is worried constantly for the health and safety of not only herself but also her unborn baby, hearing that she has diabetes can be very upsetting. Fortunately, gestational diabetes can be treated and could ideally wind up being relatively harmless to both the mother and the baby.
Gestational diabetes occurs in about 5% of all pregnancies. It may be viewed as a form of “temporary” diabetes, caused by the placenta and the baby blocking the mother’s pancreas form functioning normally. Without the functions of the pancreas, insulin cannot be used properly by the body, and as a result, blood sugar levels can become abnormally high.
Gestational diabetes occurs late in pregnancy, after the baby is developed large enough to hamper the functions of the pancreas. This means that gestational diabetes does not affect the baby during the crucial early stages of the pregnancy when birth defects and other serious problems would arise.
However, your increased blood sugar levels will also affect the baby. Because the baby’s blood sugar will be high, it will be getting more energy than what it needs. This excess will be stored as fat and could cause the baby to be significantly overweight from birth. This will lead to problems during childbirth and into the baby’s life, putting him at an increased risk for obesity and diabetes as he ages.
Gestational diabetes can be caught and treated by your healthcare providers though. If it is properly treated, including specialized diet, physical activity and maybe even insulin injections, it can be reduced to a relatively minor health concern and a healthy pregnancy and baby can still be possible.
