The exact cause of Gestational Diabetes is unknown-- unless you already had pre-exisisting diabetes. But these factors may contribute to the condition:
Hormones needed for the baby's growth interfere with insulin
Excess weight increases insulin resistance
Insulin resistance prevents the body from effectively using insulin
The main goal during pregnancy, is to keep it controlled, since this could affect your little one.
Most women who have gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, especially when they control their blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and keep a healthy weight.
In some cases, though, gestational diabetes can affect the pregnancy and baby. Some potential risks include:
The baby’s body is larger than normal—called macrosomia. A large baby may need to be delivered by a surgical procedure called cesarean section, instead of naturally through the vagina.
The baby’s blood sugar is too low—called hypoglycemia. Starting to breastfeed right away can help get more glucose to the baby. The baby may also need to get glucose through a tube into his or her blood.
The baby’s skin turns yellowish and the whites of the eyes may change color—called jaundice. This condition is easily treated and is not serious if treated.
The baby may have trouble breathing and need oxygen or other help—called Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
The baby may have low mineral levels in the blood. This problem can causes muscle twitching or cramping, but can be treated by giving the baby extra minerals
The aim of treatment is to return glucose levels to normal. Treatment includes:
Diet
Eat a balanced diet .
Eat plenty of vegetables , and fiber .
Limit the amount of fat you eat. Avoid food high in sugar.
Eat moderate portions of food at each meal.
Eat a bedtime snack with protein and a starchy food.
Do not gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight can increase the risk of having:
A baby with a high birth-weight
A preterm birth
Cesarean delivery*¹
Keep a record of your food intake. Share this with your doctor.
Exercise
Physical activity helps the body use glucose. The insulin you produce will be more effective. Ask your doctor about an exercise routine.
Blood Sugar Testing
Use a monitor to check your glucose levels. Show your doctor the results at prenatal visits.
Insulin
If you've made lifestyle changes and your glucose levels stay above normal, you may need to inject insulin each day.
What has your doctor said about the baby's weight at 35 weeks? Usually with diabetes, doctors are concerned that the baby will be overweight and in your case it seems to be the opposite. During the last 5 weeks, your baby should start to gain between 1/2 a pound to a lb per week. Even though doctor's are looking for a 5lb baby at 35 weeks, it can also become harder for a sonogram to predict the baby's weight so late in the pregnancy. I'm sure your doctor will continue to monitor you and your little one, please keep us posted and keep that precious bun in the oven!
Comment Reply
Dear Anon,
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
The exact cause of Gestational Diabetes is unknown-- unless you already had pre-exisisting diabetes. But these factors may contribute to the condition:
Hormones needed for the baby's growth interfere with insulin
Excess weight increases insulin resistance
Insulin resistance prevents the body from effectively using insulin
The main goal during pregnancy, is to keep it controlled, since this could affect your little one.
Most women who have gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, especially when they control their blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and keep a healthy weight.
In some cases, though, gestational diabetes can affect the pregnancy and baby. Some potential risks include:
The baby’s body is larger than normal—called macrosomia. A large baby may need to be delivered by a surgical procedure called cesarean section, instead of naturally through the vagina.
The baby’s blood sugar is too low—called hypoglycemia. Starting to breastfeed right away can help get more glucose to the baby. The baby may also need to get glucose through a tube into his or her blood.
The baby’s skin turns yellowish and the whites of the eyes may change color—called jaundice. This condition is easily treated and is not serious if treated.
The baby may have trouble breathing and need oxygen or other help—called Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
The baby may have low mineral levels in the blood. This problem can causes muscle twitching or cramping, but can be treated by giving the baby extra minerals
The aim of treatment is to return glucose levels to normal. Treatment includes:
Diet
Eat a balanced diet .
Eat plenty of vegetables , and fiber .
Limit the amount of fat you eat. Avoid food high in sugar.
Eat moderate portions of food at each meal.
Eat a bedtime snack with protein and a starchy food.
Do not gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight can increase the risk of having:
A baby with a high birth-weight
A preterm birth
Cesarean delivery*¹
Keep a record of your food intake. Share this with your doctor.
Exercise
Physical activity helps the body use glucose. The insulin you produce will be more effective. Ask your doctor about an exercise routine.
Blood Sugar Testing
Use a monitor to check your glucose levels. Show your doctor the results at prenatal visits.
Insulin
If you've made lifestyle changes and your glucose levels stay above normal, you may need to inject insulin each day.
What has your doctor said about the baby's weight at 35 weeks? Usually with diabetes, doctors are concerned that the baby will be overweight and in your case it seems to be the opposite. During the last 5 weeks, your baby should start to gain between 1/2 a pound to a lb per week. Even though doctor's are looking for a 5lb baby at 35 weeks, it can also become harder for a sonogram to predict the baby's weight so late in the pregnancy. I'm sure your doctor will continue to monitor you and your little one, please keep us posted and keep that precious bun in the oven!
Best of luck,
Rosa
October 24, 2011 - 5:42amThis Comment
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