3 Warning Signs Of Gestational Diabetes
Even though you have never had a personal or family history of diabetes, you can develop it during your pregnancy. This type of diabetes is known as gestational diabetes, and needs to be monitored by your OB/GYN throughout the entirety or your pregnancy. Fortunately, most cases of gestational diabetes resolve on their own once the baby is born, however, in certain instances, it can persist. Here are three warning signs of gestational diabetes and what you can do about them:
Frequent Urination
If you have gestational diabetes, you may notice a dramatic increase in urination. While pregnancy itself can cause you to urinate more often, the urinary pattern of gestational diabetes is often coupled with increased thirst.
If you find yourself going to the bathroom more than usual, especially if you are constantly drinking water to quench your thirst, make an appointment with your obstetrician, who may order a glucose tolerance test to determine if your blood sugar is abnormal.
Increased Hunger
Increased hunger may also be a sign that you have diabetes. While pregnancy cravings are normal, a ravenous appetite, especially during the first trimester of a pregnancy, is usually not. In fact, it is during this time when many women experience morning sickness with subsequent nausea and diminished appetite.
If you believe that you are unable to control your eating habits and are rapidly gaining weight, see your doctor. Rapid weight gain is not healthy for you or your baby, and in addition to complicating existing diabetes, it can also raise your risk for developing high blood pressure during your pregnancy.
Large For Gestational Age Baby
When your doctor performs an ultrasound, he or she may determine that your baby is a "large for gestational age" baby. This means that your baby's weight is more than it should be for his or her gestational age.
The cause may be that your baby is getting too much sugar from your bloodstream, and is subsequently gaining weight too quickly. Your OB/GYN may recommend that you follow a diabetic diet so that your baby does not grow too large. In some cases, you may be required to take medication for your diabetes, but diet alone is often all that is needed.
If you have any of the above signs, make an appointment with your obstetrician. The sooner gestational diabetes is recognized and addressed, the less likely you and your baby will be to experience complications such as high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, or endocrine complications. For more information, check out sites like http://www.billingsclinic.com.
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