Many women are at risk of developing gestational diabetes during their pregnancy months. It’s widely believed that diabetes during pregnancy resolves itself after birth, and it only affects mothers. However, the truth is that gestational diabetes affects babies negatively at birth and can have life-long consequences.
From increasing birth weight to the risk of obesity later in life, read more to know how this form of diabetes has significant implications for your baby.
How Diabetes During Pregnancy Affects Babies
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use insulin effectively. Therefore, pregnant women with it experience elevated blood sugar levels. It’s not widely understood why gestational diabetes should be taken seriously; however, it has serious implications for the mother and baby. Gestational diabetes affects babies in the following ways:
- Increased Birth Weight
Diabetes during pregnancy can result in macrosomia, or babies with a significantly higher birth weight than normal. This happens due to excessive glucose in the mother’s bloodstream. The fetus’s pancreas produces more insulin to manage the excess glucose, and this extra energy is stored as fat, leading to a large birth weight. - Birth Injuries
Babies that are larger than normal may face complications during delivery. This could be a complication like dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during birth. These situations can result in injuries for the baby and mother. - Low Blood Sugar
Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes become vulnerable to hypoglycemia. Their high insulin levels experience a sudden drop when the maternal glucose supply is reduced. Therefore, babies with this condition may be shaky, tired, and require medical treatment. - Respiratory Issues
Mothers who have gestational diabetes may give birth to children who experience breathing issues. It is because of an increase in complications or the baby’s size. - Risk for Chemical Imbalances
Newborns whose mothers have gestational diabetes can be at risk of chemical imbalances at birth. Low serum calcium and insufficient magnesium levels are complications that can occur. Hence, these children would require prolonged medical treatment to get better.
Long-Term Risks of Gestational Diabetes for Babies
Children who have mothers who develop gestational diabetes are at risk of long-term complications. Studies show that these children may be affected by early exposure to high glucose levels in utero.
The risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later on in life increases. Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of these newborns developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. Additionally, research indicates that these babies are at risk of metabolic diseases as they grow older.
To Summarize
Diabetes during pregnancy can result in serious health issues not only when babies are born but also when they become adults. It’s essential to manage gestational diabetes by avoiding sugar and having a health professional involved. Consider our skilled doctors at the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center for diabetes management. Our facility can help diagnose and set you on the path to treatment. Call us at (281) 252-8600 for an appointment.