Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7 percent of all pregnancies, usually in the second half of the pregnancy. It almost always goes away as soon as your baby is born. However, if gestational diabetes is not treated during your pregnancy, you may experience some complications. Show CausesPregnancy hormones cause the body to be resistant to the action of insulin, a hormone made by your pancreas that helps your body use the fuels supplied by food. The carbohydrates you eat provide your body with a fuel called glucose, the sugar in the blood that nourishes your brain, heart, tissues and muscles. Glucose is also an important fuel for your developing baby. In gestational diabetes, insulin fails to effectively move glucose into the cells that need it. As a result, glucose accumulates in the blood, causing blood sugar levels to rise. DiagnosisGestational diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. Your blood glucose level is measured after you drink a sweet beverage. If your blood sugar is too high, you have gestational diabetes. Sometimes one test is all that's needed to make a definitive diagnosis. More often, an initial screening test is done, followed by a longer evaluation. Gestational diabetes usually does not occur until later in pregnancy, when the placenta is producing more of the hormones that interfere with the mother's insulin. Screening for gestational diabetes usually takes place between weeks 24 to 28, but women at high risk are likely to be screened in the first trimester. Continue reading Risk FactorsA number of risk factors are associated with gestational diabetes, including:
In addition, gestational diabetes occurs more often in African Americans, Native Americans, Latinas and women with a family history of diabetes. Gestational Diabetes and Your BabyGestational diabetes can affect your developing baby in a couple of ways:
Avoiding ComplicationsThe complications of gestational diabetes can be prevented by keeping your blood sugar under control during your pregnancy. The goal of treatment is to keep your blood sugar in the normal range. Most women with well-controlled blood sugar deliver healthy babies without any complications. TreatmentDietThe first step in treating gestational diabetes is to modify your diet to help keep your blood sugar level in the normal range. It's a good idea to meet with a registered dietitian to develop a customized eating plan to help you manage your blood sugar. You can also read up on Dietary Recommendations for Gestational Diabetes. The main dietary principles:
Blood Sugar MonitoringThe only way to know that your gestational diabetes is being properly controlled is to check your blood sugar frequently. You'll be instructed on the use of a home blood sugar monitor. You should check your blood sugar at least four times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Check your fasting blood sugar first thing in the morning, before having anything to eat or drink. Also check your blood sugar one hour after starting to eat your three main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check with your doctor for target blood sugar levels. Other TreatmentsMost women with gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar simply by modifying their diet. You'll need to follow the diet guidelines until your baby is born. After delivery, most women are able to resume their normal eating habits. Gestational diabetes does not interfere with your ability to breastfeed your baby. For about 30 percent of women who develop gestational diabetes, following a diet is not enough to control their blood sugar, and they need to take insulin. Insulin is safe during pregnancy. If you're taking insulin, you'll still need to continue with the prescribed diet and monitor your blood sugar levels. After DeliveryAfter your baby is born, your blood sugar will be checked to make sure it's normal. Fortunately, gestational diabetes almost always goes away after your baby is born. If your blood sugar doesn't return to normal, it may mean that you had diabetes before you became pregnant. The most important thing to remember is to check your blood sugar before getting pregnant again. Women who've had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who had diabetes before getting pregnant have a higher risk of pregnancy complications. Elevated maternal blood sugar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the major organ systems are developing, increases risks to the fetus. Women with diabetes can help improve their chances of having a healthy baby by normalizing their blood sugar before pregnancy. What are the complications of gestational diabetes?Complications. Excessive birth weight. If your blood sugar level is higher than the standard range, it can cause your baby to grow too large. ... . Early (preterm) birth. ... . Serious breathing difficulties. ... . Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). ... . Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. ... . Stillbirth.. What are nursing implications for gestational diabetes?Here are eight nursing diagnoses for gestational diabetes mellitus nursing care plans:. Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Levels. NEW!. Readiness for Enhanced Nutrition. NEW!. Risk for Injury (Maternal) ... . Risk for Injury (Fetal) ... . Deficient Knowledge. ... . Risk for Infection. ... . Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume. ... . Ineffective Health Management.. |