It’s difficult to find a more exciting time for a woman in Illinois than learning she’s pregnant. A part of achieving a healthy pregnancy is learning about pregnancy-related conditions that can develop, one of which is gestational diabetes.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is like diabetes in general, as both involve elevated glucose levels. However, gestational diabetes is typically a short-term condition that can happen during pregnancy. This condition is more common than you may think, affecting about 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. per year.
Preventing gestational diabetes
Some people are at higher risk for gestational diabetes than others, including those who are obese or gain excessive weight during their pregnancies. Unfortunately, research shows that this condition is more prevalent among African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic females.
You should find out whether you have gestational diabetes by completing a screening. Completing this screening includes drinking a glucose solution and having your blood drawn several times over three hours. Then, medical professionals monitor the blood sugar levels in the blood they collect. High blood sugar levels indicate gestational diabetes.
Failing to diagnose gestational diabetes
You understandably depend on an obstetrician to help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Unfortunately, sometimes medical professionals miss conditions and other ailments while providing care. Failing to diagnose gestational diabetes is a common reason for certain medical malpractice lawsuits.
Common complications of gestational diabetes can include:
- Premature birth
- Birth-related weight issues (macrosomia)
- Increased risk of cesarean section
- Brachial plexus injury
- Stillbirths
These magnify tremendously when the condition is not diagnosed and properly treated.
Fortunately, gestational diabetes is easy to treat. Most experts recommend a healthy diet and mild physical activity during and after pregnancy.