Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at risk for serious complications. Gestational diabetes appears in women with no previous history of diabetes, usually during the last half of pregnancy. The cause is unknown, but hormones, genetics and obesity all play a role. Good prenatal care is essential for a safe, healthy delivery.
Diabetes and Pregnancy
Women with diabetes should have a complete physical examination before becoming pregnant. Most major organ systems are formed in the growing fetus during the first seven weeks after conception. This phase -- when some women do not know that they are pregnant -- is widely considered the most critical time of development in the entire human lifespan.
What You Need to Know about Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Testing
If you are pregnant, your obstetrician has probably told you that you will need gestational diabetes testing. Gestational diabetes testing is an important part of routine prenatal care.
Risk Factors For Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It usually appears midway through the second trimester and disappears after the birth of the baby. It is not permanent. How do you know if you are at risk for developing gestational diabetes?
Health Risks of Pregnancy
Chronic health problems such as diabetes need to be addressed with your OBGYN, at the onset of your pregnancy.
Infants of Diabetic Mothers
According to A.D.A.M. Healthcare Center, All infants of diabetic mothers should be tested for hypoglycemia, even if they have no apparent symptoms. Good prenatal care is also essential when mom has diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes usually becomes apparent during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. In many cases, the blood glucose level returns to normal after delivery, states A.D.A.M. Healthcare Center.
Who Works in the NICU?
If your baby needs to be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), who will be there to take care of him or her? Meet the variety of practioners and support staff that work in the NICU.
Answers For Gestational Diabetes
Mamashealth.com is a great site to answer all your questions about not only gestational diabetes, but also anything under the sun, concerning your pregnancy.
Can You Prevent Diabetes?
The National Institute of Health says studies show that people who are at risk for Type II diabetes can delay or entirely prevent the onset of diabetes by losing weight, and changing their lifestyle.