Fetal Risks and Gestational Diabetes – What You Need to Know

Gestational diabetes is a common pregnancy complication that affects around 1 in 10 women. It occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels during pregnancy. If left uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can put you and your growing baby at risk of several health problems. One of the most significant issues related to gestational diabetes is the risk of fetal complications. We’ll take a closer look at fetal risks associated with gestational diabetes and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Macrosomia – One of the most significant risks of gestational diabetes is macrosomia, a condition that occurs when your baby grows too large in the uterus. It can lead to several complications during delivery, including shoulder dystocia, which is a condition where the baby's shoulders get stuck behind the pelvic bone during delivery. Macrosomia can also increase your risk of having a C-section and can cause your baby to develop low blood sugar shortly after birth.

2. Respiratory Distress Syndrome – Gestational diabetes can also increase your baby's risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition that affects the lungs. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to have immature lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties shortly after birth. Some babies may require mechanical ventilation or oxygen supplementation to help them breathe.

3. Birth Defects – Pregnant women with uncontrolled gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects, including heart and nerve problems. This risk increases when blood sugar levels are not properly managed during the first trimester of pregnancy when the baby's organs are developing.

4. Stillbirth – While rare, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of stillbirth. This occurs when the baby dies in the uterus before delivery. The risk of stillbirth is higher in women with uncontrolled gestational diabetes, especially during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

5. Neonatal Hypoglycemia – Lastly, babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, a condition where the baby's blood sugar levels drop too low. This happens because the baby's pancreas has been producing higher levels of insulin to compensate for the mother's uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The baby's pancreas continues to produce excessive insulin levels after birth, leading to low blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes can increase complicated fetal risks, including macrosomia, respiratory distress syndrome, birth defects, stillbirth, and neonatal hypoglycemia. However, with proper management by following a healthy diet, exercising, and monitoring your blood sugar levels closely, you can lower your risk of these complications. If you have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, talk to your doctor about a customized plan that fits your needs.

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