Diabetes is a condition where there is to much glucose (sugar) in the blood, this is controlled by the hormone insulin produced by your pancreas. When pregnant women who have higher than average glucose in there blood their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin to transport the glucose to the cells. This results in the build up of glucose in the blood instead of being converted into energy.
Please note any of the following information should not replace that of your medical practitioner, Please consult them if you have any questions about your health care or that of your baby
What will a glucose involve?
If you are considered at risk of gestational diabetes you will be offered a Glucose tolerance test (GTT) around 24- 28 weeks pregnant. The test will consist of a blood test that will be done after a period of fasting. They will take a blood test then you will be asked to drink a glucose drink, after two hours they will then take another blood test to see how your body reacts.
What puts me at risk of gestational diabetes?
There are various factors that can potentially increase the risk of gestational diabetes. You are at risk if:
- you have a history of diabetes within the family
- your origin is south Asian, black Caribbean or Middle Eastern
- you have a BMI over 30
- you've had gestational diabetes before
What are the risks to my pregnancy?
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you will need to be aware of the risks this can cause for you, your baby and your labour, but do not let this overwhelm you as now you are diagnosed you can manage it.
The risks if not managed:
- having a larger baby
- complications in delivery
- still birth
- health problems such as diabetes in later life
- issues for your baby after birth such as heart and breathing problems that will require hospital care
How can I manage my diabetes?
Most women who have gestational diabetes go on to have healthy babies. After they are diagnosed most can control it through diet and you will be given a kit to test your blood glucose levels. As a diabetic you can still enjoy most food but to keep your sugar levels balanced you must watch your portions and keep your protein, fat and carbohydrates intake balanced. You will meet with a dietician to help you choose the right food and portioning. On occasion if you blood sugar is constantly high or your baby is a little larger than usual on the ultrasound scan they will give you tablets or insulin injections. You will also have more frequent anti natal appointments to monitor your and babies health.
If you have had gestational diabetes while pregnant it is important you get tested each year as you are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
How will this effect my labour and birth?
If you have gestational diabetes it is recommended you give birth in hospital with a consultant lead maternity team who are experienced with caring for diabetic mothers and their babies. If your diabetes is controlled it is unlikely that your baby's birth will be effected. However it might be recommended to have your labour induced at around 38 weeks or you might require a caesarean.
Your baby will be monitored throughout your labour to insure they are safe and not distressed, you will also have your blood monitored and in some cases you maybe put on a drip so you can be given insulin to keep your sugar levels in the correct range through your labour.
How will this effect me and my baby after birth?
Once you have had your baby most women's gestational diabetes will go away, you will be able stop taking any medication you have been given for it. You will be offered another blood test around 6 weeks post natal to check that your levels have returned to the recommended levels. Even though your gestational diabetes has gone you should still have a diabetes test ever year and take care of your health as you are still at risk of developing diabetes type 2.
After your delivery you baby their blood with also be checked by taking a drop of blood from their heel. You should feed your baby as soon as possible to help prevent or correct hypoglycaemia.
It can be really difficult and frightening going through a difficult pregnancy and having an extra illness to deal with can be overwhelming, please don't feel you are alone, if you would like support or just someone who has been through it to please feel free to contact us: team@nurturingnatalsupport.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NurturingNatalSupport
Facebook closed group: (if you would like to speak to others in a similar position in confidence)
www.facebook.com/groups/NurturingNatalSupport/
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