Ever heard of gestational diabetes? This is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can interfere with pregnancy, as well as the health of pregnant women and babies.
Gestational diabetes is caused by rising levels of various hormones in the body during pregnancy. Increasing the amount of pregnancy hormones can inhibit the action of insulin.
As a result, blood sugar rises and is stored as fat by the mother's body. Blood sugar levels that continue to be high can also cause fetal weight to rise, to above average.
Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors
Apart from pregnancy, the risk of pregnant women getting gestational diabetes will be higher if they have the following factors:
Have a history of gestational diabetes
The risk of developing gestational diabetes will be even higher if you have experienced this condition in a previous pregnancy. So, early and periodic examinations are needed if pregnant women have been diagnosed with this condition before.
More than 25 years old
Pregnant women over the age of 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
Family history of diabetes
Pregnant women are more at risk of developing gestational diabetes if they have family members who suffer from diabetes, or if they have ever given birth to a baby weighing more than 4.1 kg.
Being obese during pregnancy
Pregnant women need to control their weight by knowing their body mass index (BMI). If the body mass index is more than 30, pregnant women are considered obese. Being too tall can increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
Have a history of certain diseases
A woman has a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes if she has previously suffered from certain diseases, such as hypertension, heart problems, and PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects hormone levels in women. Pregnant women are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes if they have had PCOS.
Dangers of Gestational Diabetes for Mothers and Children
Gestational diabetes can affect the condition of pregnant women and the fetus. In pregnant women, gestational diabetes can cause:
- Premature birth or delivery during pregnancy less than 37 weeks.
- Preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can cause complications if left untreated.
- Miscarriage.
- Difficulties during labor that require induction or birth by cesarean section due to the baby's weight above average.
- Polyhydramnios or excess amniotic fluid.
- Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
If gestational diabetes is treated and monitored regularly, the baby can be born healthy. However, gestational diabetes can still affect the baby's condition, including causing:
- Birth weight of a large baby (more than 4 kg).
- Injury when born due to the large size of his body.
- Low levels of blood sugar in the body when born.
- Respiratory disorders.
- Yellow baby.
- Premature birth.
- Affected by obesity and diabetes when he grows up.
With routine medication and monitoring, complications of gestational diabetes can be prevented. After giving birth, pregnant women's blood sugar will usually return to normal. However, pregnant women who experience this condition will be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, or have gestational diabetes again in subsequent pregnancies.
So, start to pay more attention to your health condition when pregnant. Consult your obstetrician if you have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
Komentar
Posting Komentar