Scan For Gestational Diabetes

By Cara

Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 9:35

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It is not a life long disease but if not treated in the right manner, it can be dangerous for the foetus. When a woman shows symptoms of diabetes for the first time during pregnancy, its known as gestational diabetes.

During gestational diabetes, pregnant women develop higher levels of blood glucose. It shows very few symptoms but can be easily diagnosed during scanning. No specific cause has been identified for gestational diabetes and doctors see different reasons for different cases.

The hormones produced during pregnancy increases a woman's resistance to insulin, resulting in low glucose tolerance. If there is a family history of diabetes, the pregnant woman is likely to develop gestational diabetes. Older maternal age and greater BMI (over 30) is also possible reasons.

Untreated gestational diabetes can cause problems for your baby. The babies born to mothers suffering from gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing childhood obesity. The baby might also be born over-weight. In such cases a normal delivery becomes difficult. Normal delivery can pose a threat to both, mother and child, thus leaving the option for caesarean births.

To control gestational diabetes, it is important to change your lifestyle. You should have a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid sweets and rice during your pregnancy. Keep a check on your body weight. Moderate exercises advised by your physician is a must.

Do not take complete bed rest. Remember pregnancy is not an illness, its a phase of life. So try to continue your daily routine as far as possible. Go for walks. Without exerting, keep yourself active. Consult your doctor at regular interval and keep a regular check on the blood sugar level.