Gestational Diabetes With Preeclampsia
For some, pregnancy comes with its own set of health problems. It is common for women to experience an issue that they might not have had before. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are among one of them. These both conditions occur during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes develops during gestation i.e. pregnancy. In this condition pregnancy hormones interfere with the women’s body to use insulin properly, causing high blood sugar in the blood[1]. If left untreated. Gestational diabetes can affect the mother’s and baby’s health.
Preeclampsia also called as toxemia of pregnancy or pregnancy-induced hypertension is known to affect 5-8 percent of women during pregnancy. It usually occurs after 20th week of pregnancy and is identified by the presence of protein in urine and high blood pressure. Preeclampsia is a cause of concern during pregnancy and is known to cause 76000 maternal mortality and 500,000 infant mortality worldwide every year.
However, with proper medication and healthy living, expectant mothers can control their gestational diabetes and preeclampsia and prevent a difficult birth while keeping herself and her baby healthy.
Signs and Symptoms
While gestational diabetes usually don’t have symptoms, however, they may have increased thirst or frequent urination. The symptoms of preeclampsia are much more evident. Gestational diabetes can be identified by high blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of preeclampsia are:
- High Blood Pressure
Many women have elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. But in preeclampsia, high blood pressure may be accompanied by swelling on your body or protein in the urine. So the presence of high blood pressure alone need not mean one has preeclampsia. Symptoms that indicate high blood pressure include – headaches, dizziness or blurred vision.
- Fluid Retention
In pregnancy, some swelling on the body is termed normal. However, if the swelling doesn’t go away after rest, it means your body is retaining fluid and may be a sign of preeclampsia. Fluid retention is usually notable on hands, face, and can be experienced as tightness of rings, bangles or shoes.
- Pathological Tests
If your urine test shows the presence of proteins, then it is a major sign of preeclampsia. Your blood test may show an increase in the liver enzymes and decrease in blood clotting cells as well.
- Other Symptoms
Other notable symptoms include increased abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, fever, blurred vision, and blood in the urine.
Treatment
Gestational Diabetes:
Doctors always evaluate the risk of gestational diabetes through a blood test, as a part of prenatal care. If blood tests confirm the presence of gestational diabetes, then doctors will prescribe medication, recommend dietary advice and monitor your blood glucose and baby’s health during the pregnancy.
Your health care provider will check your blood sugar levels after delivery as well to ensure blood sugar levels are within the normal range.
Preeclampsia:
In the case of preeclampsia, delivering your baby is the only way to cure it. Doctors will prescribe some medication and dietary changes to keep your blood pressure in control. If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctors may induce labour, increasing your likelihood of delivering by cesarean section. They will make the decision based on your symptoms, health and the baby’s health.
However, untreated preeclampsia will prevent your baby from getting enough nourishment and blood through the placenta. It can significantly elevate your blood pressure and increase the chances of seizures, which can prove hazardous for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts
It is not yet clear why these conditions occur in some women. However, one can greatly reduce the risk by adopting healthy habits such as maintaining an ideal weight, eating healthily, and keeping stress at bay.
References:
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/PMC4317712/