Will my baby be okay?
Absolutely! The majority of women have healthy babies. It’s key to focus on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Remember, the goal is not perfection but consistency in healthy habits. It’s important to focus on the things we can control.
Having said that, many moms want to know the risks associated with Gestational Diabetes. The risks associated for both mom & baby are the following.
MOM’S HEALTH
During pregnancy: Excessive rises in blood sugar can lead to high blood pressure for mom (preeclampsia)
After pregnancy: Gestational diabetes alerts you that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later inlife. This is why maintaining the habits you’ve developed during pregnancy, even after you have given birth, are so important. Learn more about type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association
BABY’S HEALTH
During gestational diabetes, too much sugar is shared with the baby. This sugar is stored as fat, lead to a large baby (”macrosomia”)
Babies are also at risk of having a sharp drop is blood sugar after birth, and may need special care at the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). High blood sugars can also limit oxygen supply to the baby.
HOW DOES GESTATIONAL DIABETES IMPACTS BIRTH
Besides being hard to carry, large babies are more difficult to deliver. Sometimes there are birth injuries to both mom and baby.
The baby's arm or shoulder could be injured during delivery. Nerve damage can also happen.
Delivery of a large baby can result in birth canal injuries. To avoid birth injuries, some women will need a cesarean section (sometimes called a c-section). A cesarean section means the baby is delivered by surgery
in the mean time, HOW WILL I KNOW MY BABY IS WELL?
There are special tests that can check your baby's health while you are pregnant with gestational diabetes. These tests are done later in pregnancy. They are:
kick counts (NST’s)
ultrasounds
stress tests
KICK COUNTS
One of the most important tests you can do for your baby is kick counts. Kick counts check your baby's movements. Some time between 16 and 20 weeks you will begin to feel your baby move. You will be asked to do kick counts every day starting around 26 weeks. At this time you should be able to clearly feel your baby moving. Ask your health care provider when and how to check your baby’s movements. Also ask when and who you should call if you have questions or if the baby isn’t moving
Here’s one method used to do Kick Counts:
1. Choose the time of day that you feel your baby moves the most. Often this will be after your evening meal. Try to check kick counts at the same time every day.
2. Lie down on your left side or sit in a comfortable chair.
3. Pay attention to your baby's movements.
4. The first time you feel your baby move, write down the time.
5. Count every kick or movement until you feel ten movements. Check the time and write it down. Most babies will move ten times in one hour.
6. Take your kick count record sheet to each doctor's visit.
ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound test uses sound waves to "see" your baby. These sound waves do not hurt either you or your baby. Your doctor can see your baby's size, the way it is lying, and organs (like the brain, spine, and heart). The doctor can even measure the amount of fluid (amniotic fluid) around your baby.
Having your ultrasound can be very exciting. You might see your baby move, suck his or her fingers and breathing movements. Often, more than one ultrasound test will be done during your pregnancy. This is to make sure your baby is growing well and that your due date is correct. Some mothers with gestational diabetes can deliver babies that weigh more than 9 pounds (macrosomia). These babies are larger than normal. Your doctor will use an ultrasound to see if your baby is getting too big. If your baby is too large to deliver naturally, you may need a cesarean section (sometimes called a csection). A cesarean section is a surgery used to deliver your baby. Your doctor will talk about all of this with you.
NON-STRESS TEST
A non-stress test records your baby's heart rate. This test is sometimes called an NST. Again, this test will not hurt you or your baby. The baby's heart beats faster when the baby moves. This is a sign that your baby is doing well. During this test, a special belt is placed around your waist. The belt is hooked to a machine. This machine counts your baby's heart rate. Non-stress tests are often done near the end of pregnancy. It is common to repeat this test one to two times a week because they help to determine how your baby is doing. Do not miss any of these tests. They are very helpful to your doctor.
Source: Sweet Success, California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program? CDAPP, 2014