Category: pregnancy

Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Causes And Risk Factors

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that a woman develops when she is pregnant. She doesn’t have it prior to pregnancy, and she usually doesn’t continue to have it after she gives birth. Unfortunately, it is a complication of pregnancy and can cause problems for both the mother and the baby. Keep reading to become more knowledgeable about understanding gestational diabetes: causes and risk factors.

What Is Gestational Diabetes and Its Causes?

Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes impacts how your cells utilize sugar. This condition leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which can pose risks to both your pregnancy and the health of your baby. 3 to 8% of all pregnant women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.pregnant woman.

Gestational diabetes occurs when hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin properly. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed into the cells. It is not due to a deficiency of insulin like Type 1 diabetes, but by pregnancy hormones that diminish insulin’s effectiveness, namely insulin resistance. These symptoms will disappear after delivery.

What Are Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes?

Your OBGYN will usually check for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks or sooner especially if you have any of the following risk factors:

  • You had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
  • You gave birth to a baby over 9 pounds
  • You are overweight
  • Type 2 diabetes runs in your family
  • You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • You are African American, Latino, American Indian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, or a Pacific Islander
  • You have pre-diabetes
  • Sometimes age is a factor

What Are Potential Complications for Baby?

Any complications are generally manageable and preventable with careful control of blood sugar levels as soon as the diagnosis is made.

If not managed properly it can lead to some complications for your baby.

  • Your baby may be overweight, and your baby may need a C-section, get caught within the birth canal, or may experience birth injuries.
  • It may increase the chance of early labor and delivery.
  • Your baby may develop serious breathing issues.
  • Babies may develop low blood sugar or hypoglycemia which may lead to seizures or require intravenous glucose (sugar).
  • It can result in stillbirth or death just before or after birth.

What Are Potential Complications for Mom?

If not treated and managed in a timely manner gestational diabetes can cause you to need a C-section or surgical delivery.

  • You may develop very high blood pressure (preeclampsia) which is dangerous for you and your baby with other serious symptoms.
  • There will be an increased risk that you will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Talk with our team at All About Women about how to prevent gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, especially if you have other risk factors. Call (703) 437-0001 to schedule an appointment in Reston or Leesburg, VA.

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Twin Pregnancy and Beyond: A Guide for New Parents

Before the days of ultrasound, parents of twins had no idea they were about to have “double the fun.” Today parents can find out they are going to be parents of multiples well ahead of birth. This affords them time to prepare both physically and mentally. It’s a big challenge and requires some organization and the right mindset. Twin pregnancy and beyond: a guide for new parents. Continue reading “Twin Pregnancy and Beyond: A Guide for New Parents”

Your Guide to Pregnancy After 35

It’s no secret that many women are waiting longer to begin a family. They want to accomplish some personal goals like completing their graduate degrees or reaching professional milestones. They make the decision to put pregnancy on the back burner, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t serious about wanting a baby. They know it would have been easier to get pregnant in their twenties, however, they recognize that it is still doable. If that describes you, here is your guide to pregnancy after 35.

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Postpartum Rage Is More Common Than You Think

The nine months of waiting are finally over. The baby showers are behind you, mother and mother-law have gone home, visitors have left, and you are finally alone with your little bundle of joy. Of course you have heard of the baby blues and how those raging hormones can affect a new mom, but you have never heard about the anger and erupting rage you are feeling. It scares you. Postpartum rage is more common than you think.

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Expecting at 35? Know what to expect

Are you expecting after the age of 35?

Congratulations! Pregnancy after 35 can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, it’s important to be aware of a few
things.

First, know that your health care provider will closely monitor your health during this time .

Secondly, additional prenatal testing may be recommended to ensure a healthy pregnancy

Discuss genetic testing and screenings with your health care provider to make informed decisions.

Lastly staying proactive in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition regular exercise and Stress

Management is crucial Remember age is just a number.

What matters most is taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your growing baby.

Preeclampsia Warning Signs: Before & After Delivery

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that may happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. It causes high blood pressure and other issues which can stress your heart and cause problems during and after pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more about preeclampsia warning signs before and after delivery.

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How Pregnancy Affects The Immune System

We might call it an old wives tale, but scientists used to think a woman’s immune system became weaker when she was pregnant. We have learned that is not exactly the case. Sometimes, it can actually get stronger. With this relatively new news let’s review how we now know pregnancy affects the immune system.

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Signs of a Miscarriage and When to Call Your Doctor

Most miscarriages occur in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. They are painful, sad occurrences for many women, but the mother has no culpability. In some instances, they can occur without any signs, while others may experience symptoms . Let’s learn more about the signs of a miscarriage and when to call your doctor.

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