High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar in your blood becomes higher than normal. This condition can develop in the second trimester and most often returns to normal soon after delivery.
Risks of Pregnancy Induced High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar levels can affect both the mother as well as the development and growth of the baby.
Poorly controlled or uncontrolled gestational diabetes
- Increases the risk of preeclampsia,
- Preterm delivery,
- Large-sized baby,
- Caesarean section,
- Newborn with low blood sugar,
- Breathing difficulties and
- Jaundice.
Signs of Pregnancy induced High Blood Sugar
Normally there are few symptoms except sometimes patients can show
- Extreme thirst,
- Hunger or
- Tiredness
Routine Checkups and Tests Pregnancy Induced High Blood Sugar
The tests for diabetes are done in the 28th week of pregnancy. Dr Mariud may check your blood glucose level using a number of tests such as:
- Fasting blood glucose test.
- Screening glucose challenge test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
Treatments for Pregnancy Induced High Blood Sugar
Pregnancy induced diabetes can usually be controlled by
- Certain dietary changes,
- Regular exercise, and
- Frequent blood tests as suggested by Dr Mariud.
Some cases might also require use of insulin to keep the blood sugar levels under control.
Even if the gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born, it increases your risk for diabetes later in your life.
Therefore, it is important to exercise, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight after pregnancy.