Pregnancy: the gift of life comes with many pros and even some cons.
On the one hand, it’s a wondrous miracle, creating life and bringing a new person into the world. On the other hand, it’s full of morning sickness, bloating, swollen ankles, and the pain of labour.
One thing very few people know or talk about is gestational diabetes.
What is gestational diabetes?
Your pancreas creates a specific hormone called insulin that helps regulate and control your body’s ability to turn sugar into energy. Diabetes occurs when your body cannot supply the correct amount of insulin.
Gestational diabetes is the same, except it occurs when the hormones from your placenta block the effects of insulin and leaves your body incapable of regulating its own sugar levels. This ultimately leads to hyperglycaemia, or high levels of sugar in your blood, and can cause serious harm if left untreated.
How common is gestational diabetes?
It’s widely regarded that between five and 10% of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. While it’s possible for it to occur at any point during pregnancy, it’s more common to be diagnosed in the second and third trimesters, specifically between weeks 24 and 28.
Are there any factors that increase this risk?
Yes, there are several factors that could increase your risk of getting gestational diabetes:
- A family has a history of diabetes
- Any pre-diabetes diagnosis prior to pregnancy
- Medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease or polycystic ovary syndrome
- A previous history of having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Women over 25 have an increased risk, with it increasing as you get older
- You’ve been put on bed rest during your pregnancy
What are the general symptoms of gestational diabetes?
For the most part, you can’t really notice that you’re suffering from it but some experience:
- Increased urination, both in regularity and duration
- Fatigue
- Higher than usual thirst
- Sugar in your urine
What are the health risks of gestational diabetes?
If treated properly, absolutely nothing! However, if it goes untreated it can cause macrosomia, which is the risk of having a bigger baby. This can cause complications during birth and result in a C-section delivery. It can also increase the risks of preeclampsia and stillbirth.
Gestational diabetes can also potentially cause issues for the child after birth, such as:
- Jaundice
- Low blood sugar levels
- Difficulty breathing
- Higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life
How do you check for gestational diabetes?
Luckily, checks for gestational diabetes are very simple and are done as part of your general pregnancy care. Your doctor will take a regular urine sample when you go for your check-ups, which will be checked for any sugar levels.
Between weeks 24 and 28 you will also likely be given a glucose test, just to ensure your body is controlling its blood sugar levels properly.
More resources on diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes – The Difference
Why diabetes increases your chance of heart disease
5 health screenings to get done stat
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GetSavvi Health offers maternity benefits, and if you’re thinking of starting or growing your family, give us a call to ensure you’re fully covered!
Reach out to us on 0861 18 92 02 to start planning for your future.
Members can get cover for a normal birth or C-Section at a private hospital. Cover includes gynaecologists’ visits and ultrasound scans, as well as the costs related to birth. There is a 12-month waiting period, and members need to pay up front for services and claim back for reimbursement.
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Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes
How Does Gestational Diabetes (GD) Affect Your Pregnancy and Baby?Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes