Diabetes During Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes is diabetes that some expected Moms develop during pregnancy. In fact, two to ten percent (2-10%) of pregnant women may be diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy. The term “gestational diabetes” simply means that diagnosis occurs while pregnant. Yet, all hope isn’t lost. This condition can be managed with the help of Woodlands OBGYN Associates.
Hope & Help is Always Readily Available
There are many resources available if you are diagnosed with diabetes. Although it is likely that your diabetes will go away after pregnancy, (if diagnosed during pregnancy) for now, you must treat yourself as someone who has diabetes.
For expected moms diagnosed with gestational diabetes, they can expect to receive additional prenatal care services, and make more visits to the office to ensure they are being properly monitored and are able to manage the condition well. As with all moms of Woodlands OBGYN Associates, they will receive an individualized prenatal care plan based on their specific needs during pregnancy.
Learn the Risk Factors
High Blood Pressure & Preeclampsia — Diabetes is more likely to influence blood pressure and can cause a condition called preeclampsia in the mother during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication which is characterized by high blood pressure, which can make pregnancy difficult and can prove to be serious for both mother and child.
Large Babies — Another issue we take into consideration as physicians is that patients with diabetes tend to have larger babies than patients who don’t. An infant that is considered “too large” for their gestational age requires similar monitoring as that of a premature infant.
Elevated Blood Sugar Levels & Body Temperature — In addition, close monitoring of both mother and child is required to insure the health and well-being of both. Both mother and child have more difficulty maintaining their blood sugar levels and body temperature than the average newborn does. Of course, this brings cause for concern.
Following Medical Recommendations = Good Management
You can improve your chances of delivering a healthy baby by:
- Following the advice of your Woodlands OBGYN Associate physician.
- Seeing any of the specialists we recommend.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Exercising as instructed.
We will ask you about your exercise and activity levels, and about your diet during office visits. We will also be monitoring the size and growth rate of your unborn baby more closely than low-risk pregnancies, and we’ll be checking your urine for sugars and proteins, which provide us specific insights as to how you are doing.
If sugars or proteins are present in your urine, this is an indication that excessive sugars are in your bloodstream and we must immediately address this so as to mitigate any harm to you or your developing child.
While managing diabetes during pregnancy can be complicated, the doctors of Woodlands OBGYN Associates are experienced and well-able to manage your prenatal care, including gestational diabetes.
Connect with us for more information, and a consultation!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our office today at 281.364.9898
