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Gestational Diabetes
By Andrew Palmer
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood
sugar levels during pregnancy, are said to have gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnancies, making it one
of the top health concerns related to pregnancy.
What is the cause of gestational diabetes?
While no-one really knows the cause, there are some factors that is
might increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include:
- A family history of diabetes
- Obesity in the woman
- Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- Older maternal age (over the age of 30).
- A previous delivery of a large (greater than 9 pounds) baby.
What are the risks of gestational diabetes?
High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your
baby. If a woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an
increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Babies
born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater change of developing
diabetes, but there is also some other risks involved, such as macrosomia,
or a "fat" baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their
own, including damage to their shoulders during birth, or a higher risk
for breathing problems.
Treating gestational diabetes
In most cases, gestational diabetes is managed by diet and exercise, and
goes away after the baby is born. But because gestational diabetes can
hurt you and your baby, it is important to start treatment quickly. You
should consult your doctor for special meal plans and scheduled physical
activity.
There is no reason to panic
While gestational diabetes is a cause for concern, the good news with
the correct diet and exercise, you can keep your blood glucose levels
under control, and give a healthy start for your baby.
About the Author: Andrew Palmer helps maintain Diabetesweb,
an informational site on everything related to diabetes. Be sure to check
it out if you need further information on gestational
diabetes.
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