Gestational diabetes is a type of disease that occurs only in pregnancy. It could happen to you if you did not have diabetes before you got pregnant. It typically develops around the middle of pregnancy, and every doctor in North Carolina should test patients for it. If left untreated, it can cause serious issues for you and your baby. If you have a diagnosis, you may wonder if there are still risks after you have your baby.
According to Tommy’s, the risks from gestational diabetes to you are not as severe once you have your baby. You may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the future. In some cases, mothers develop type 2 after delivery. You will have your blood glucose tested at the hospital and at your postnatal check up to ensure it gets back to normal levels.
Your baby will undergo a bit more monitoring. Gestational diabetes could cause your baby to be jaundice. Usually, this goes away quickly after birth and is not a major issue, but there is always a chance it could linger and your baby may need further medical intervention. Your baby’s blood glucose will also be taken regularly. You will have to feed on a regular schedule of every two or three hours to keep your baby’s blood sugar levels up. If your baby has issues with blood glucose staying too low, he or she may need a feeding tube and time in the NICU.
For most mothers with gestational diabetes, the effects do not last long past delivery. So, you probably have little to worry about. However, your doctor should monitor you and the baby closely to ensure there are no lingering issues. This information is for education and is not legal advice.