Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, where the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. If left untreated or poorly managed, it can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby. Some of the complications of gestational diabetes include:
- High birth weight: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of being larger than average (macrosomia). This can increase the risk of complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone).
- Preterm birth: Women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm babies may have underdeveloped organs and may require intensive medical care.
- Low blood sugar in the baby: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. This is because the baby’s body produces extra insulin to compensate for the high blood sugar levels in the womb. Hypoglycemia can be treated with feeding and monitoring blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory distress syndrome: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is a condition where the baby’s lungs are not fully developed, making it difficult for them to breathe properly.
- Jaundice: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may develop jaundice, a condition where the baby’s skin and eyes appear yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice can usually be treated with light therapy (phototherapy).
- Type 2 diabetes later in life: Both the mother and the baby have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Both need to undergo regular screening for diabetes and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk.
- Preeclampsia: Women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby and may require early delivery to prevent complications.
- Intrauterine fetal demise, if the blood sugar is poorly controlled then rarely baby may die in the womb in the later months of pregnancy.
Women with gestational diabetes need to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and possibly medication. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
Navigate the complexities of Gestational Diabetes complications with Dr. Hema Jajoo’s expert insights. Prioritize maternal well-being. Act today for a healthier tomorrow. Trust Dr. Jajoo for a seamless pregnancy journey.