Smart Moms | Prenatal Tests

Causes

Diabetes occurs when there is a problem with the way the body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts the glucose in food into energy. When the body doesn't make enough insulin, or when insulin is not being used properly by the body, the level of glucose in the blood becomes too high. This is called hyperglycemia (high sugar levels in the blood).
Because gestational diabetes can occur even when no risk factors or symptoms are present, many health care providers test all pregnant women for diabetes. Gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. More than half of women who have gestational diabetes will develop diabetes, although usually many years later. It's important to tell your health care provider if you have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.

Testing for Diabetes

The test for diabetes is safe and simple. Samples of your blood are taken after you drink a sugar solution, and the glucose level is measured. A high level suggests that there may be a problem with glucose control. If you have a high level of glucose, you will receive a diagnostic test. This test will diagnose diabetes if you have it.

Effects During Pregnancy

The risk of problems during pregnancy is greatest when diabetes is not well controlled. Some of these problems may increase the chance of a cesarean delivery. This is why you need good blood sugar control during pregnancy. Good control of glucose levels, before and during pregnancy, can lower the risks.
If you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, you should understand the problems that may arise:

Birth defects--such as heart defects, kidney problems, and spinal defects--occur more often in babies of women whose diabetes was not well controlled before pregnancy.
Macrosomia (very large baby) occurs when the mother's blood sugar level is high. This allows too much sugar to go to the fetus. It can cause the fetus to grow too large. A too large baby is not always good and can make delivery difficult. For example, there may be problems delivering the baby's shoulders.
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy. This can pose problems for the mother and the baby. It may require the baby to be delivered early. A woman with a mild form of preeclampsia may need to stay in the hospital so that she and her fetus can be monitored. Severe preeclampsia can lead to seizures.
Hydramnios occurs when there is too much amniotic fluid in the sac surrounding the fetus. This can cause some women discomfort. It may result in preterm labor (labor before 37 weeks) and delivery.
Urinary tract infections can occur without symptoms. If the infection is not treated, it may spread from the bladder to the kidneys and can harm the woman and her fetus.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) can make it harder for the baby to breathe after birth. The risk of RDS is greater in babies of mothers with diabetes.

Diet

A balanced diet is important in pregnancy. The fetus depends on the food you eat for its growth and nourishment. This is even more important if you have diabetes. Not eating properly can cause glucose levels to change.

The number of calories in your diet will depend on your weight, stage of pregnancy, age, and level of activity. Your health care provider may adjust your diet from time to time to improve glucose control or to meet the needs of the growing fetus. Usually the diet consists of several small meals and snacks spread throughout the day. A bedtime snack is important to keep glucose levels stable during the night.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is always good. For women with diabetes it is especially important. Regular exercise reduces the amount of insulin needed to keep blood glucose levels normal. The amount of exercise that is right for each woman varies. You and your health care provider will decide how much and what type of exercise you need.