Pregnant Women at Risk For Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Wednesday 14 December 2011 - Filed under News

Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that only occurs in women who are pregnant. It typically develops around the 24th week of pregnancy, and it's caused by pregnancy hormones that can interfere with insulin and keep it from working properly, spiking a woman's blood sugar levels. Because gestational diabetes usually begins later in pregnancy, it doesn't typically cause birth defects in the baby.

However, if it goes untreated and glucose levels are not controlled, it can cause complications at birth that can be harmful to the baby. A C-section may be required to deliver the baby, which may be born with low blood sugar and higher risk of symptoms such as developing breathing problems. Many women can control their blood sugar through diet, exercise and medication during pregnancy, and most cases of gestational diabetes go away after the baby is born.

2011-12-14  »  admin