Complications
Some women worry that having gestational diabetes will cause birth
defects, but fortunately, this usually isn't the case. In general, birth
defects originate during the first three months of pregnancy, whereas
gestational diabetes generally doesn't develop until the second or third
trimester. This means your blood sugar levels are normal during the
first critical months.
The greatest risk of gestational diabetes is a baby that grows too large
(macrosomia). For a full-term pregnancy, this means a birth weight of
4,500 grams (9 pounds, 14 ounces) or more. Very large babies may have
difficulty during delivery and are more likely to sustain birth injuries
or be born by Caesarean section. Consistently keeping your blood sugar
levels within a normal range can reduce these risks.
Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. That's because they're
accustomed to receiving large amounts of blood sugar from their mothers,
and their own insulin production is normal. These infants should have
their blood sugar levels checked regularly after delivery. They may need
early feeding or even a glucose solution through an intravenous line to
prevent low blood sugar.
Babies born prematurely to mothers with gestational diabetes are more
likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome, a condition that makes
breathing difficult. It's caused by a lack of certain substances in the
lungs that help prevent the lungs from collapsing every time the baby
takes a breath. Babies with respiratory distress syndrome may need help
breathing until their lungs become stronger.
Jaundice — a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes — is another
potential complication. Newborn jaundice may begin during the second or
third day of life, but sometimes isn't evident until around a week after
birth.
Jaundice itself isn't a disease. In most cases it occurs because a
baby's liver isn't mature enough to break down a substance called
bilirubin, which normally forms when the body recycles old or damaged
red blood cells. Although jaundice usually isn't a cause for concern, it
should be carefully monitored by your doctor.
If gestational diabetes goes undetected, a baby has an increased risk of
stillbirth or death as a newborn. But monitoring your blood sugar levels
and following your doctor's recommendations regarding diet and exercise
will prevent most problems for your baby.
Women who have gestational diabetes in one pregnancy have a greater risk
of developing it again in another pregnancy. They're also more likely to
develop type 2 diabetes — a type of diabetes that's present all the
time, not just during pregnancy — as they get older. In fact, more than
half the women with gestational diabetes eventually develop type 2
diabetes, a serious condition that can affect nearly every organ in your
body.
Many cases of diabetes can be prevented with a healthy diet and regular
exercise. That's why it's important to follow your doctor's advice about
diet and exercise after delivery and to have your blood sugar level
checked at least once a year.
