Diabetes is a concern in itself, much more so during a delicate condition such as pregnancy when your body is going through major hormonal and physical changes at a rapid pace. Childbirth becomes a critical matter if a woman has been reported being diabetic prior to conceiving but some women develop symptoms of diabetes during their gestational period (especially during third trimester) which is detrimental to the health of the mother and the fetus. The body needs to produce more insulin from halfway through the later stages of pregnancy and when it fails to do so; women develop gestational diabetes. This usually goes away after childbirth since it is different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes but may persist after that in some cases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gestational diabetes include:

• Fatigue (this is also mistaken for normal fatigue during pregnancy)
• Dry Mouth
• Constant Thirst
• Constant Urination (This is also a normal case of bladder during pregnancy but too much of it has to be reported to the doctor)
• Blurred vision
• BMI reaching obese ranges

Possible Causes

Family history of gestational diabetes or Type 1or 2 diabetes could be a cause of gestational diabetes in new moms since they’re genetically prone to it. Previous history of diabetes during pregnancies may result in high chances of gestational pregnancy during following pregnancies (It is better to keep a regular check for diabetes in such case). Oral glucose tolerance test is conducted between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation to check on blood sugar levels in expectant mothers.

Impact on Infants

Women with gestational diabetes treated in time produce healthy babies. If not then the babies are at a risk of being stillborn or over weight. The high blood glucose cuts through the placenta and reaches the infant.

• Fetal Macrosomia could be the result of a diabetic pregnancy. These babies are larger than the normal body weight and size of a new born. The baby is likely to develop larger shoulders and increased body fat if the blood sugar level is not controlled in the mother.
• Very Small Babies. The gestational diabetes may restrict the overall growth of the fetus and cause health complications.
• Still Birth. This is the worst case scenario if the mother is not treated on time for gestational diabetes.
• C- There are increased chances of cesarean sections because of an overweight baby or the labor would be induced prematurely.
• Blood sugar Problems in Baby. The baby may experience high blood sugar levels or electrolyte imbalance in the first few weeks following birth.

Gestational diabetes if diagnosed and treated on time is not a dangerous situation and will not adversely affect the baby in any way. However, the checkups need to be regular and the blood glucose levels need to be monitored closely after the child birth too.

Diabetes and that too along with pregnancy brings in not just stress of health and child’s safety but also an added financial burden. Rx financial assistance provides prescription assistance for diabetic patients to seek medical help and medicines and injections for a much reduced amount. This program with easy conditions provides medical assistance to the ones unable to afford the high costs associated with diabetes so they could maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cuddle with your bundle of joy while Rx assistance takes care of your costs of diabetes medicines and insulin.