I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. How will this diagnosis effect my unborn baby?
Diabetes Diagnosis Add comments
Apparently I have had gestational diabetes for quite a while since 16 weeks but I have now 25 weeks and on insulin. Thanks
Gestational diabetes is a not so uncommon situation in pregnancy. In many cases it can result in a condition known as toxemia, where the Mom becomes swollen with edema and high blood pressure.
So long as you follow Doc’s ‘orders’ and don’t push yourself, chances are likely that 1) once the baby is delivered, the diabetes leaves, 2) there should be no long term affects on the babe.
That is not to say that everything will be fine. As with any ‘condition’ affecting the Mom, there can be some effects on the babe as well. Chances are the hospital will want to keep a close eye on the newborn just to ensure that s/he does not develop diabetes or related conditions.
Now before you panic, note the use of the terms ‘not uncommon,’ ‘chances are’ etc. Both my boys were subjected to my wife’s gestational diabetes and resulting toxemia. They are now 17 and 21…and healthy as horses. So is she. So take heart, listen to what the Doc’s tell you and stay positive. You are not alone. 
October 11th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
as long as you follow a proper diet prescribed by your doctor, low fat, low carb, no sugar (ada), and keep your bld sugar within normal limits 70-120, you shouldn’t have a problem. this is of course pending other medical history. diabetes can cause problems, but just use the internet as a tool to find out specifics. most patients respond well with treatment as long as they follow their physician advise. there are special clinics at hospitals, community area that specialize in this and can give detailed information.
some patients, a small percent, carry their diabetes over after pregnancy.
good luck to you!
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i work in the medical field
October 11th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Gestational diabetes is a not so uncommon situation in pregnancy. In many cases it can result in a condition known as toxemia, where the Mom becomes swollen with edema and high blood pressure.
So long as you follow Doc’s ‘orders’ and don’t push yourself, chances are likely that 1) once the baby is delivered, the diabetes leaves, 2) there should be no long term affects on the babe.
That is not to say that everything will be fine. As with any ‘condition’ affecting the Mom, there can be some effects on the babe as well. Chances are the hospital will want to keep a close eye on the newborn just to ensure that s/he does not develop diabetes or related conditions.
Now before you panic, note the use of the terms ‘not uncommon,’ ‘chances are’ etc. Both my boys were subjected to my wife’s gestational diabetes and resulting toxemia. They are now 17 and 21…and healthy as horses. So is she. So take heart, listen to what the Doc’s tell you and stay positive. You are not alone.
References :
retired paramedic and father of two….whoohooo
October 12th, 2009 at 12:20 am
I have heard that the only thing it does is make the baby weigh a little more at birth and that it should not have any problems I had it w/ my son and he is a fine 4 yr. old now and he was 7’2oz. at birth so I think it must be different for everyone
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October 12th, 2009 at 12:55 am
well of course you know you could have a big baby, but on the reverse side that is not as known you could have a small baby. also the lungs could not mature at a normal rate. meaning if they decided to induce you at 37 weeks the baby may only have lung maturiy typically for a 35 weeks old baby. also babies sugar levels could be too low. these are just some things that could happen not what will. the best thing to do is to keep your sugars in check.
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October 12th, 2009 at 1:38 am
The person who said you could give diabetes to your child is completely wrong.
Gestational diabetes is a condition of pregnancy. You are at risk of becoming a type 2 diabetic in the future, and you should have follow up tests.
Your baby should be fine if you keep your blood sugars well-controlled. The baby may be large for gestational age and is at risk of low blood sugar when first born, but these conditions can be managed. If the baby is too large, they may want to deliver you prior to 40 weeks, in which case they will test for adequate lung maturity and give meds as indicated.
Don’t worry too much, because stress can make your blood sugar high. Just do your best with your diet and insulin, and call your provider if you’re having difficulty so that they can help you.
Hospitals/pediatricians are used to dealing with babies of gestational diabetes and it will be fine.
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