Pregnancy FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are you completely lost when it comes to being pregnant for the next 40 / 42 weeks of your life? Don't worry one bit, we've got you covered! Every question to each and every one of your pregnancy problems can be solved by just reading this simple FAQ! Ready...... GO!
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Gestational Diabetes There are so many things to think about when you are pregnant -- and, if you are anything like me, obsess over! At some time during your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will likely order a test for gestational diabetes. Some of the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes include:
Some women will have none of these risk factors and have gestational diabetes anyways. Usually at about 24 - 28 weeks, you will be sent to the lab to drink a glucose (sugar) drink (often called "the one hour test"). One hour later a blood test will be taken. If it is within the acceptable range, that's all there is to it! You more than likely won't require any further testing. However, if your blood sugar level is above the acceptable range, a second test is taken. The second test is similar and called a Glucose Tolerance Test (often called "the three hour test"). You will be given another glucose drink but this one is higher in sugar. Blood tests will be taken one and three hours later. If the test readings are above the acceptable level, your doctor may tell you "You have gestational diabetes.". Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. Essentially, gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. The extra blood glucose goes through the placenta, giving the baby high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. Because of the extra insulin made by the baby's pancreas, newborns may have very low blood glucose levels at birth and are also at higher risk for breathing problems. Babies with excess insulin become children who are at risk for obesity and adults who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Since the baby is getting more energy than it needs to grow and develop, the extra energy is stored as fat, possibly causing a high birth weight. Because untreated or poorly managed gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, you need to start treatment quickly. Gestational diabetes will require that you take extra care of yorself. While gestational diabetes is a cause for concern, the good news is that you and your health care providers can work together to lower your high blood glucose levels so that you can be rewarded by a healthy baby! You will need to follow a special meal plan, increase your activity, monitor your blood sugars and test your urine for ketones. If your meal plan and increased activity cannot control your blood sugar levels, it may be necessary to take insulin. The good news is that in almost every case, gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born and your baby will not be born with diabetes.
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