Diabetes in pregnancy also called gestational diabetes is a very usual condition with many women. Nevertheless, it does not mean that babies will also get diabetes after the birth. Most women with diabetes even deliver healthy babies. However, it is sure that when the condition is not managed carefully, it can lead to several complications. Most commonly, complications of diabetes in pregnancy can lead to C-section deliveries.
Complications of diabetes in pregnancy for the mother:
The possibility of diabetes in later life: If it is your first pregnancy and has diabetes, then there are higher chances of developing the condition in future pregnancies. There is a higher possibility of getting type 2 diabetes as you get older. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits like healthy diet, enough exercise can greatly help to reduce the risk of affecting with the condition in future.
High blood pressure: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, which is highly dangerous for both the mother and developing a baby.
Preeclampsia: Diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often kidneys. This condition usually begins after pregnancy week 20. If you have preeclampsia, the only cure is delivery of your baby.
Complications of diabetes in pregnancy for the baby:
Gestational diabetes can put your baby at higher risk of several complications, such as:
Low blood sugar: Babies who born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have the possibility of developing low blood sugar immediately after birth. Severe conditions of hypoglycemia can even lead to seizures. Proper feeding and injecting intravenous glucose solution help to bring the blood sugar levels to normal.
Excessive birth weight: When you have higher glucose levels in your bloodstream, they will cross the placenta and reach your developing baby. Excess blood glucose in your child can trigger the pancreas to produce extra insulin. This can lead to bigger babies. Delivering babies more than 9 pounds can lead to birth injuries while coming out from the birth canal or need a C-section delivery.
Preterm birth: Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of early birth and delivering the baby prior to the due date. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest for early delivery because of a larger baby.
Respiratory distress syndrome: This condition can cause breathing difficulties until the baby’s lungs develop fully and become stronger. Sometimes, even the babies are not prematurely born, they can have respiratory distress syndrome.
Type 2 diabetes in baby’s later life: Babies who born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes in their later life. Some babies may even develop obesity in later life.
If gestational diabetes left untreated, it can lead to the death of your baby before or shortly after the birth.
