6 Complications of Gestational Diabetes

Written by Michael Corrieri

Pregnancy for many families is a cause for celebration, and a time to prepare for the addition of a magnificent little person to the household. But, pregnancy is not without risks. It has not been so long ago that many ladies died trying to bring a new life into the world. Thankfully, advancements in medicine and have vastly improved the odds for both mom and baby. But, complications arise. For example, moms that have been diagnosed need to know the six complications of gestational diabetes.

Premature Babies

Because of the diabetes, babies tend to gain more weight than the average baby. However, that does not necessarily mean that their minds are prepared to support that outside the womb. Therefore, the pregnancy will be considered high risk. The doctor will carefully monitor progress of both the mother and the baby. The mom has an increased risk of going into premature labor and delivery.

Treatment may be necessary to help the baby's lungs develop more quickly, just in case. Also, medications are available to help prevent premature labor. But, since there are no guarantees, the doctor may also prescribe bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy. In some cases the mother may have to be hospitalized, until the baby's lungs are mature enough to be delivered.

Toxemia

Toxemia is basically a fancy name for high blood pressure due to pregnancy. However, it is no less dangerous than the typical type of high blood pressure. Moms have a greater risk of stroke or heart attack. At this point, age has no bearing. Whether the mother is 20 or 40 years old, the danger is very real.

Mothers with toxemia will be more closely monitored. Regular blood pressure checks will be mandatory. Dietary and exercise changes may be prescribed. If the blood pressure gets too high, it may be necessary for the doctor to take the baby via cesarean section, in order to save the life of the mother and the baby.

Infections

For some reason, women with diabetes seem to have a greater propensity for developing urinary tract infections. Under normal circumstances, expectant moms tend to need to use the restroom more often than other ladies. It sometimes seems that the baby is doing jumping jacks on the bladder.

But, if the urgent need to urinate becomes painful and burns or the sensation of needing to go never really goes away, it is time to call the doctor. Antibiotics should take care of the problem. In fact, the doctor may have some suggestions on how to help
prevent this very uncomfortable complication in the future.

Ketones

Women with gestational diabetes may not be eating enough to support her and the baby. It is extremely important not to skip meals and to closely follow the doctor's dietary recommendations. Otherwise, the body will start breaking down fat to find another source of energy. These gases produced are called ketones.

Ketones traveled through the blood supply. Unfortunately, that means it can be harmful to the baby. Therefore, it may be necessary to monitor them by testing daily at home. Moms will be taught how and when to perform the tests, and when it is time to call the doctor, if the results are too high.

Diabetes

Of course, the last of the six complications is diabetes itself. Moms that have gestational diabetes are more likely to have the same complication with subsequent pregnancies. In addition, the chances of developing the disease later in life are greatly increased. The experts are still debating whether the propensity to develop diabetes during pregnancy is an inherited trait or simply an unlucky complication.

Either way, the reason really does not matter at this point. How to successfully bring a healthy baby into the world is the main concern. Moms may have to learn how to monitor blood sugar, self medicate with insulin shots, and change dietary and exercise habits. In some cases, the diabetes can be controlled by eating healthier and on a regular schedule. While jumping jacks are not a good idea, the doctor will probably prescribe low impact exercises.

Since moms with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop the same complication in future pregnancies, or have a greater chance of being diagnosed with diabetes later in life, the healthier habits should not simply be for the duration of the pregnancy. Continue the healthier habits after the baby is born. If moms plan on nursing the baby, it will be healthier for them as well. But, moms should simply want to stay healthy for their families.

In short, being diagnosed with a complication like gestational diabetes can be very scary. But, thanks to advancements in medicine, doctors know what moms need to do, in order to bring the pregnancy to term, with a healthy baby. But, it will require monitoring and strict health rules to follow, and always keeping the ultimate goal of a healthy baby in mind.