For expectant mothers, stable blood sugar levels become key in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. But challenges can surface such as gestational diabetes.
This is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Although it can happen at any stage, it is more common in the third trimester and usually disappears after giving birth.
In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of this challenge and how to work your way through it.
Gestational Diabetes Explained
When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates from foods into a sugar called glucose. This sugar goes into your bloodstream and travels to your cells to give your body energy.
A hormone called insulin produced by the pancreas helps move this sugar into your cells and lower the amount in your blood.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various hormonal changes to support the growing baby. The placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby, produces hormones that can interfere with the mother’s insulin function.
As we know, insulin is crucial for managing blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. In some cases, the increased hormonal activity makes it harder for the mother’s body to use insulin effectively.
As a result, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to gestational diabetes. This condition typically develops around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy when the demand for insulin is at its highest.
Gestational diabetes does not mean you had diabetes before pregnancy or will have it afterward. However, it does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Additionally, it can pose risks for both you and the baby during pregnancy.
If uncontrolled, it may lead to high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and an increased risk of needing a cesarean section. For the baby, it can result in excessive growth, birth injuries, and respiratory distress syndrome.
Importance of Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring during the Third Trimester
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate significantly during pregnancy, influenced by hormonal changes and the growing demands of your developing fetus.
As your pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring becomes paramount.
Who’s at Risk of Gestational diabetes
GDM is a leading disease in pregnant women. Experts are still trying to find out why some women have it and others don’t.
That said, you’re at an increased risk of gestational diabetes if:
- you are over 40
- you are of South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin
- If you have PCOS
- you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- If you are suffering from other metabolic diseases
- If you were prediabetic before pregnancy
- You are overweight with a high BMI
- You previously had a “big baby” who weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth
- 1 of your parents or siblings has diabetes
- you have had a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery
7 Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Although most cases of gestational diabetes are not obvious and are discovered upon screening, watch out for these symptoms:
1. Excessive Thirst and Increased Urination
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect insulin utilization, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
This, in turn, triggers excessive thirst and increased urination. The body attempts to eliminate excess glucose through urine, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom.
If you notice a sudden and persistent increase in thirst and urination, it’s crucial to bring it to the attention of your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
2. Fatigue and Weakness
Gestational diabetes may cause you to experience persistent fatigue and weakness. Monitoring energy levels can provide valuable insights into potential glucose management issues.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
While weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy, unexplained weight loss can be a cause for concern. Regular monitoring of weight changes, in consultation with your healthcare team, is crucial.
Also Read: How to Organically Crush Your Sugar Level in 90 Days or Less
4. Blurry Vision
Elevated blood sugar levels can affect the fluid balance in the eyes, leading to temporary blurry vision. It can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, aura of flashlights and light sensitivity.
5. Increased Fetal Movements
Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes may respond to elevated blood sugar levels with increased fetal movements.
6. Persistent Nausea and Vomiting
While morning sickness is common in early pregnancy, persistent nausea and vomiting in the third trimester can be indicative of gestational diabetes.
7. Frequent Infections
Gestational diabetes can compromise the immune system, making expectant mothers more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for and promptly addressing recurrent infections and other symptoms is crucial.
This will involve collaborative efforts between you and your healthcare provider to manage blood sugar levels.
Navigating the Risks of Gestational Diabetes
As pregnancy enters the critical third trimester, the stakes become higher. Failing to manage this condition adequately during this period can pose various risks and complications for both you and the baby.
Understanding these potential challenges underscores the importance of proactive management strategies.
Here’s an in-depth exploration of the risks associated with unmanaged gestational diabetes in the third trimester and why prioritizing proactive measures is crucial:
Macrosomia (Large Birth Weight)
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to macrosomia, a condition where your baby grows excessively large. This poses risks during labor and delivery, increasing the likelihood of birth injuries and the need for interventions such as cesarean section.
Preterm Birth
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of preterm birth, where the baby is born before completing the full term.
Premature birth can result in complications for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome and developmental challenges.
Hypoglycemia in the Newborn
Babies born to mothers with unmanaged gestational diabetes may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth. This can lead to complications such as seizures and other neurological issues.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Unmanaged gestational diabetes raises the risk of both the mother and the baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Preeclampsia
Gestational diabetes can elevate the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage. Preeclampsia poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health.
Future Cardiovascular Risks
Women with a history of gestational diabetes face an increased risk of cardiovascular issues later in life.
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
GDM can increase the risk of having a baby with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. This condition affects the baby’s ability to breathe independently and may require medical intervention.
Also Read: How to Know If You Have Diabetes and Exactly What to Do
Tips for Maintaining Optimal Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Implementing lifestyle changes that address stress, sleep, and other factors can positively impact blood sugar levels.
Here are practical suggestions for expectant mothers:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Aim for a healthy weight within the recommended range for your stage of pregnancy. If you are not already pregnant, drive for a healthy weight before taking in and avoid excessive weight gain during your pregnancy.
- Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars
Minimize the intake of processed foods and those high in added sugars. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods to support better blood sugar control.
- Balanced and Nutrient-Rich Diet
Prioritize a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This provides essential nutrients while minimizing the impact on blood sugar levels.
- Regular Physical Activity
Engage in moderate, pregnancy-safe exercise regularly. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help regulate blood sugar levels and contribute to overall well-being.
- Portion Control
Opt for smaller, balanced meals and avoid overeating. This approach helps regulate blood sugar levels by avoiding large spikes and crashes associated with irregular eating patterns.
- Stress Management Techniques
Chronic stress can impact blood sugar levels. Incorporate relaxation practices to promote your overall emotional well-being. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga.
- Adequate Sleep
Prioritize sufficient and quality sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to insulin resistance, affecting blood sugar control. Establish a bedtime routine and create a conducive sleep environment.
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular monitoring provides insights into how lifestyle factors influence blood sugar levels, allowing for timely adjustments.
- Support System
Build a strong support system. Surround yourself with understanding and encouraging individuals who can provide emotional support throughout your pregnancy journey.
- Regular Prenatal Check-ups
Attend regular prenatal check-ups and communicate openly with your healthcare provider. This ensures that your health, and that of your baby, is closely monitored, and any necessary adjustments to your management plan can be made promptly.
Conclusion
By integrating these lifestyle tips into your daily routine, you can create a supportive environment for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team to tailor these suggestions to your individual needs and circumstances.
Stay informed and engaged in your gestational diabetes management. Attend educational programs, connect with support groups, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider.
Are you currently having any of the symptoms of diabetes and you’ve confirmed with your doctor and they said it’s actually diabetes? We’ve got a solution for you. Here’s a clinically certified diabetes product that can help you organically crush your sugar level in 90 days or less. Today, you can also book a session with us to learn more about how to create a better diet plan that works for your health. We’ve got a longer list of foods to avoid for different types of diabetes.
