Gestational diabetes is an increase in the blood sugar level of the expectant mother. This condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. In fact, the placenta (the organ that connects the fetus to the uterus) produces hormones that interfere with the effects of insulin (the hormone that controls blood sugar levels). Gestational diabetes often appears in the second trimester of pregnancy and in most cases disappears after delivery. Gestational diabetes is a carbohydrate intolerance disorder that is responsible for increased blood sugar (glycemia) levels. It may appear or be discovered during pregnancy. In most cases, the disorder resolves at delivery, unless the woman had diabetes without knowing it before pregnancy. In this case, diabetes will continue after delivery. This is why it is necessary to repeat the blood sugar test after delivery to diagnose persistent diabetes. Symptoms Generally, a pregnant woman does not have any obvious symptoms of diabetes. In addition, these symptoms often go unnoticed, as these discomforts affect many pregnant women. Some women may have the following symptoms: - Feeling more weak or tired - Being thirsty most of the time - Frequency of urination - Headache - Dry mouth It is better to consult a doctor without delay. Risks for the baby at birth The risks that gestational diabetes has for the fetus include the following: - Be heavier than average (more than 4 kg). - During childbirth, due to more weight, the arms are damaged while passing. - Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) - Jaundice - Lack of calcium in the blood - Respiratory problems It is important to know that gestational diabetes does not increase the risk of birth defects or the risk of your child having diabetes at birth. However, this increases the risk of obesity or glucose intolerance in early adulthood. **Dr. Bita Zalali's explanation about gestational diabetes and its effect on the fetus:** Risks for the mother The risks of gestational diabetes for the mother include the following: - Increased risk of cesarean delivery or more difficult natural delivery due to the baby's weight - causing preeclampsia (pregnancy blood pressure) - Creation of excess amniotic fluid that can lead to premature birth. - It increases the mother's risk of type 2 diabetes in the long term. Other articles: Symptoms of premature labor What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes? - Age over 35 years - Obesity (BMI greater than 30). - Gain more than 15 kg regardless of your pre-pregnancy weight. - Having diabetes in a previous pregnancy - Birth of a baby weighing more than 4 kg (9 lb) in the past. - Having a family member (father, mother, brother or sister) with diabetes. - Taking cortisone drugs regularly - People with polycystic ovary syndrome - Having abnormally high sugar levels in the past. All pregnant women should be tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, if you are at risk for gestational diabetes, you should test earlier, around the 12th week. Other articles: Weight gain during pregnancy How to prevent gestational diabetes? If you are at a healthy weight, you are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. You can also prevent gestational diabetes by having a varied and balanced diet and physical activity. For example, walking is a good way to start exercising more. What to do if you have gestational diabetes? Your doctor can refer you to a nutritionist to make changes to your diet. For example: Eat less sugary foods and more healthy and nutritious foods. It is also recommended to move more. If you follow these tips correctly, your sugar level should come down. The goal is not to completely eliminate carbohydrates, but to distribute them throughout the day. Often, gestational diabetes can be controlled with healthy eating and physical activity alone. However, if this does not work, insulin therapy may be needed. **Precautions: diagnosis of hypoglycemia**: If you feel extremely tired, if you have abnormal sweating, headache, dizziness, weakness, tremors, etc., you may have hypoglycemia. **Hypoglycemia in pregnant women is lower than the normal level of blood sugar. Can be caused by:** - Too much medicine (insulin) compared to the amount of food you ate. - Excessive physical exercise - Alcohol consumption - Omitted meals etc