Gestational Diabetes
Everything You Need to Know
Gestational diabetes is not very common, but it is important to know what it is and how to recognize it, or when you might be at higher risk. This blog is about gestational diabetes, also known as diabetes gravidarum. Want to know more? Ask the midwives in our practice. They will tell you everything about it and will monitor you closely if you are one of our clients.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes, you temporarily have too much glucose in your blood; your blood sugar level is too high. This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy and can pose risks for both your baby and yourself. It is important to detect and manage it in time. It occurs in about 3% to 5% of all pregnancies and usually develops in the second half of pregnancy. Some women have a higher risk, for instance, if you had it in a previous pregnancy, if your BMI is over 25, if type 2 diabetes runs in your family, and in some cases, it depends on your ethnicity.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of gestational diabetes are:
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Your baby grows too quickly (macrosomia)
- You have too much amniotic fluid
However, these symptoms do not occur in everyone and are difficult to recognize. Almost every pregnant woman feels tired, thirsty, and needs to urinate frequently. If it is already known that you are at higher risk, you will be tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you had this in a previous pregnancy, a blood test will be done around 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Risks for Mother and Child
Gestational diabetes poses risks for both mother and child. Your baby’s lungs may mature more slowly, and your baby may grow larger and heavier, leading to complications during delivery. After birth, your baby may have low blood sugar levels, which can cause low energy and difficulty staying warm. Additionally, these children have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. For the mother, it means a higher risk of permanent diabetes and a recurrence of gestational diabetes in a future pregnancy.
Healthy Lifestyle and Dietary Advice
Gestational diabetes is not always preventable, but a healthy lifestyle can influence it. A diet is often recommended where carbohydrates are spread out over the day by eating more small meals instead of three large ones. It is also generally advised to consume less sugary food and drinks. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, do not experiment with your diet or meals on your own, but follow the advice given by your dietitian and/or diabetes nurse. If diet alone does not bring your glucose levels to the desired range, you may need insulin injections. This is always done on a doctor’s prescription and under the supervision of a specialized nurse.
Already Have Diabetes and Want to Get Pregnant?
Having diabetes is not a barrier to becoming pregnant. However, it is very important that your glucose levels are stable. If you wish to become pregnant, discuss this with your specialist so that you can prepare your body as well as possible. The potential risks you face during pregnancy as a diabetic depend entirely on your personal situation. Always seek advice from your doctor and midwife.
Diabetes and Heredity
If you do not have diabetes but the father does, your child has a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes later in life. The same applies if both of you are diabetic. The risk your child faces can vary depending on whether it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes and whether one or both parents have it.
Want to Know More? Ask Us!
Do you have questions about gestational diabetes, or are you diabetic and want to get pregnant or are already pregnant? Feel free to visit our midwifery practice in Amsterdam-Zuid or contact us to make an appointment. We are here for you!
