Will gestational diabetes affect labor or delivery?
Does gestational diabetes affect labor and delivery? Keeping glucose levels under control may prevent certain problems related to gestational diabetes. Read more!
Most women with gestational diabetes can have a normal pregnancy and deliver without complications. The complications that can occur in labor or delivery are;
- Preeclampsia: A condition in which the blood pressure increases and excess protein is present in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. If the preeclampsia becomes difficult to control or treat your obstetrician may recommend an early delivery.
- Difficulty in vaginal delivery due to large size of the baby. For this reason your doctor may elect to do a cesarean.
- Issues with blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels increase during labor, the baby's blood sugar level and insulin levels also increase.
After birth the high insulin levels in the baby can decrease the blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycemia or low sugar levels in the baby. Appropriate control blood sugar reduces this risk of problems in the baby and mother. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes need more care in pregnancy.
Read more articles on Gestational Diabetes
Source: Expert Content Apr 25, 2011
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