Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.

Symptoms

For most women, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Increased thirst and more frequent urination are possible symptoms.

Causes

Researchers don't know why some women get gestational diabetes and others don't. Excess weight before pregnancy often plays a role. 

Normally, hormones work to keep your blood sugar levels in check. But during pregnancy, hormone levels change, making it harder for your body to process blood sugar efficiently. This makes your blood sugar rise. 

Complications that may affect your baby

• Excessive Birth Weight
• Early (preterm) Birth
• Serious Breathing Difficulties
• Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia
• Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Later In Life
• Stillbirth

Preventions

Actually, there are no guarantees in preventing gestational diabetes. However, the more healthy you have the more risk you reduce. 

• Eat Healthy
• Keep Active
• Start Pregnancy At a Healthy Weight
• Don't Gain More Weight Than Recommended 

Published by: Multicare Pharmacy, 25th Nov 2020