Health effects of gestational diabetes on an unborn baby and mother

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnancy.

It is caused by changes in the body during pregnancy, including hormonal changes, as some women become resistant to insulin, says Dr. Susan Nakireka, a physician at Mengo hospital.

"When the levels of glucose are low, the body cannot effectively use insulin or it becomes insulin resistant as a result the rise in blood sugar levels, causing gestational diabetes," Nakireka explains

Diagnosis
Gestation diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests. Dr. Gonza Andabati, a gynecologist/obstetrician at Bethany Women's Hospital in Luzira, says all pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes during their first antenatal visit and subsequently at 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Health effects
- According to Dr. Andabati, gestational diabetes can cause miscarriage between 20 and 22 weeks.

- If the mother manages to carry the pregnancy to term, the baby may be born with complications for example difficulty breathing at birth.

- Additionally, there is a higher risk of the baby dying at birth due to the drop in blood sugar levels.

"While in the womb the baby siphons a lot of sugar from the mother's blood. But after the baby is born the blood sugar supply is cut off. As a result, the baby depletes the reserves of sugar in the body, which leads to a drop in blood sugar levels condition referred to as hypoglycemia. This can lead death if not treated," Dr. Andabati warns.

- Aside, the baby is born overweight as high levels of blood sugar introduces insulin in the baby. The child therefore has a risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

- An overweight baby causes delivery complications for example a mother may be delivered by Cesarean section or even sustain tears. 

- The other serious complication of poorly controlled gestational diabetes to newborns is the risk of jaundice.

- To a mother, gestation diabetes increases the risk of pre-eclampsia, a maternal condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

- Aside, women with gestational diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes also referred to as lifestyle induced diabetes.

Prevention
Maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy eating plan coupled with regular exercise is critical in preventing or minimizing the risk of gestational diabetes, according to Nakireka.