Does Starting Menopause Increase My Risk of Osteoporosis?
As you approach menopause, your bone health becomes more of a concern. What’s the connection between menopause and osteoporosis, and how can you avoid brittle bones as you age? Read more.
Understanding How Gestational Diabetes Affects Pregnancy
Ideally, at the end of your pregnancy, a healthy mother and child start a beautiful and exciting life together. However, many complications can arise during your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, that can impact both of you now and into the future.
Without the right screening and specialized women’s health care, the current and future well-being of you or your baby could be at risk. You need proper pregnancy care from the early weeks through delivery and beyond.
What does it mean for your pregnancy to be affected by gestational diabetes? In this blog, Dr. Leonardo Longoria explains this relatively common pregnancy complication and how it can be prevented or, if necessary, treated.
Dr. Longoria and his team support new and existing patients before, during, and after pregnancy at Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas.
Gestational diabetes and pregnancy complications
Gestational diabetes is often a temporary condition. You may not have had any issues with blood sugar regulation before your pregnancy. And, it’s likely the condition will go away on its own after you give birth, although issues do linger for some. Regardless, gestational diabetes is a concern that needs to be taken seriously.
Why does gestational diabetes happen? The changes in your hormones during pregnancy can impact your body’s ability to correctly use insulin. Being insulin resistant means your body doesn’t use blood sugar the way it’s supposed to. Your energy level suffers, and your blood sugar levels become chronically high.
What negative impacts can gestational diabetes have on your pregnancy? This condition may result in preeclampsia or premature delivery, which can pose real risks to you. Your baby is more likely to have a high birth weight, a source of potential birth complications, and faces a higher risk of respiratory issues and ongoing blood sugar problems later in life.
Preventing and treating gestational diabetes
You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you have a family history of this condition, or if you have a health history of prediabetes, high blood pressure, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A high body fat percentage also increases your risk of experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. You can lower your risk of gestational diabetes by staying active, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Dr. Longoria provides screening for gestational diabetes as part of your pregnancy care. The frequency depends on your personal risk factors. You may not need screening until 24-28 weeks into your pregnancy. Or, if you’re at higher risk, you may need testing as soon as your first prenatal visit.
If you do develop gestational diabetes, it becomes important to monitor your blood sugar and stick to a special diet. Dr. Longoria may also prescribe the medication metformin.
With the right knowledge and care, you may be able to avoid gestational diabetes or reduce any negative impacts on your pregnancy and health.
If you’re at an elevated risk or have symptoms of gestational diabetes, contact Dr. Longoria for screening and treatment. Book an appointment by calling our office or scheduling online today.
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