Pregnant motherThose who like to eat sweet foods and drinks should be aware of gestational diabetes. This disease not only endangers health pregnant mother only, but also health babywhile in the womb and at a later time.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes in pregnant women that generally occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after delivery, but pregnant women who suffer from this disease are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
The occurrence of gestational diabetes is thought to be related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The reason is, these hormonal changes can make the body's performance in managing insulin change, triggering insulin resistance.
This is what causes blood sugar in the body to increase and cause gestational diabetes.
Besides being triggered by changes in pregnancy hormones, pregnant women who have a history of obesity or overweight, lack of physical activity, suffer from PCOS, have given birth to a large baby, or have a family history of diabetes, are also at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
This risk will certainly increase if pregnant women like to consume sugary foods or drinks in excess.
Don't underestimate, this is the danger of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes often causes no symptoms. However, if pregnant women feel thirsty and urinate more often, it's a good idea to discuss this complaint with a gynecologist when conducting a pregnancy check-up to get further examinations.
Gestational diabetes should not be underestimated, because this condition can increase the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The risk for cesarean delivery also tends to be greater. In fact, pregnant women are also at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes after giving birth.
The dangers of gestational diabetes not only lurk pregnant women, the baby is also at risk of experiencing the following conditions:
1. Born big
In mothers with gestational diabetes, the baby in the womb can grow too large due to excess glucose in the blood vessels that enters the placenta. A baby that is too large can complicate the delivery process, increase the risk of childbirth complications, and increase the risk of having a cesarean delivery.
2. Born prematurely
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of premature birth. Delivery before the due date (HPL) may also be recommended if the pregnant woman is carrying a large baby. In fact, premature babies are at risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome because their lungs are not yet mature.
3. Experiencing hypoglycemia
Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia or blood sugar levels that are too low after birth. Severe hypoglycemia can trigger seizures in babies.
4. Suffering from type 2 diabetes later in life
After birth, babies are also more at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. This condition will increase the child's risk of various other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, which can reduce their quality of life.
5. Stillborn or dead
The most severe consequences if gestational diabetes is not treated properly is the baby can die before or shortly after birth. This can occur due to failure of growth while in the womb.
Tips for Preventing Gestational Diabetes
In order to avoid gestational diabetes, pregnant women are advised to do the following:
Control your weight
Controlling weight is actually better done before getting pregnant. However, if you are overweight during pregnancy, your obstetrician may advise you to follow a healthy diet to lose weight.
Eating healthy food
Doctors will advise pregnant women to eat healthy foods, including portions and ideal meal times.
In general, pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of sugary foods or drinks, including foods that are high in carbohydrates. Conversely, consumption of fiber foods, such as vegetables and fruit, needs to be increased because it can help control blood sugar levels.
Beroexercise by routine
Regular exercise can also help lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes. A study shows that being physically active or exercising for about 30–45 minutes per day can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by up to 70%.
Although gestational diabetes generally goes away after giving birth, don't underestimate its impact on the health of pregnant women and babies in later life. So, keep applying a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Not only reducing the risk of developing gestational diabetes, a healthy lifestyle will also help maintain the overall health of pregnant women.
