Gestational diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It occurs when placental hormones cause insulin resistance. It is usually diagnosed via screening around 24 weeks.
It can cause health problems for both you and your child, and if you’re not aware of the symptoms and risk factors on time, because they are usually mild, it could get even more dangerous.
As much as you check your blood sugar when you suspect you’re taking too much sugar, you should actually take it even during pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Increased or unusual thirst: Drinking more fluids than usual.
- Frequent urination: Waking up often to go to the bathroom.
- Fatigue: Feeling drained.
- Blurred vision or dizziness: High sugar levels can cause the eye lens to swell.
- Increased hunger: Persistent hunger even after eating.
- Frequent infections: Such as yeast, thrush, or bladder infections
Risk Factors
1. You are overweight
Having a BMI of 30 or more during pregnancy could put you at risk of gestational diabetes.
2. Over the age of 35
If you’re an older woman, you’re at risk of having gestational diabetes.
3. Genetics
If diabetes runs in the blood, and your family has a history of having diabetes, then you could be at risk.
4. Abdominal fat
If you have had abdominal fat previously, then you’re also at risk.
ALSO READ: Here Are 10 Foods That Will Do Your Body Wonders If You Have Diabetes
5. Gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy
You’ve cured that previous gestational diabetes, but it might come back in this new pregnancy.
6. Bed rest
During bed rest, you tend to add more weight. This could increase your chances of having it.
7. Pre-diabetes diagnosis
If you’ve had a pre-diabetes diagnosis in the past, be it a high sugar level or whatnot, you could get it during pregnancy.
NOTE: You can diagnose it through a glucose screening test.
