Impact of Gestational Diabetes on the Baby by Dr Lathiesh Kumar Kambham

Though gestational diabetes can occur at any point during pregnancy, it is more common during the second and third trimesters. This is why the doctor will check the fasting glucose, random glucose, or even sugar tolerance during the second half of the pregnancy.

Insulin is the hormone responsible for keeping glucose levels in check. Pregnancy causes severe fluctuations in hormonal levels. When your body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of insulin to meet the increasing demands in pregnancy, the glucose levels start increasing, resulting in hyperglycemia in pregnancy.

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect the Fetus?

If you have gestational diabetes, it will affect both you and your baby. Though the insulin does not cross the placenta and reach the baby, the nutrients including the glucose from the mother’s blood do. With a high glucose level, the impact on the baby can last even after birth.

Some of the well-known effects of gestational diabetes on the fetus are

1. Oversized Baby

When the excess glucose reaches the baby, the baby’s body reacts to it, the pancreas makes more insulin to manage the glucose spike in the blood. As the pancreas works and produces more energy than what is required for the fetus’ growth, the excess energy can be stored as fat. As a result, the baby can get bigger and fatter, requiring a caesarean section or induced labour.

2. Early or Preterm Birth

High glucose levels in the expecting mother’s blood can increase the risk of preterm delivery, meaning the baby can be born before the completion of 37 weeks in the womb. This can happen when the high glucose level in the mother’s blood leads to faster growth of the baby. As the baby gets bigger and the uterus expands, the body might think it is time to deliver the baby, before the actual time.

3. Possible Birth Defects

Gestational diabetes develops after the baby is formed, so your baby may not have any formative defects. However, it can affect the way various parts of the body develop. It can result in underdeveloped lungs or other body parts, which can be dangerous after birth.

[Read : Understanding Birth Defects And Their Symptoms]

4. Still Birth

If gestational diabetes is left unnoticed or if the mother’s glucose levels are not kept within control, it might result in the stillbirth of the child. Stillbirth is when the baby dies before or during the birthing process.

5. Macrosomia or Fetal Growth Restriction

High levels of glucose in the pregnant mother’s blood can cause the fetus to grow much bigger than average. Macrosomia is when the baby weighs more than 4kgs at birth. If the baby is too big, it can make vaginal delivery difficult and also carries a risk of injury to the baby during delivery. Sometimes, gestational diabetes can even restrict the baby’s growth, thus making them smaller or lesser developed than average.

Effects of Gestational Diabetes on the Fetus’ Health

When the mother’s glucose levels are very high and fluctuating, it can increase the baby’s risk of contracting certain health problems such as

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which might require treatment in the hospital. In newborns, Jaundice is quite common and is also treatable quite easily.

2. Obesity Later In Life

Though the baby may not be overweight or show any weight-related issues at birth, the baby may develop obesity later in their life. If the baby was a big baby at birth due to the mother’s gestational diabetes, then the risk of obesity in the future is high.

3. Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Studies showed gestational diabetes increases the risk of breathing troubles for the fetus after birth. The excess insulin in the blood can cause a delay in the production of surfactant – a substance required for lung maturation. When the lungs don’t develop or mature as per expectation, the baby can be born with breathing issues. They may require assistance until they can breathe normally on their own.

4. Hypoglycemia Also Called Low Blood Sugar

When the blood sugar level is below the required range, it is called hypoglycemia. When the pregnant mother’s sugar levels are not under control, her body will make more insulin to manage it. If this insulin enters the placenta, it will affect the baby’s blood glucose levels, resulting in hypoglycemia in the baby. This in turn can negatively impact the baby’s development – both physically and mentally.

[Read : Hypoglycemia In Pregnancy]

5. Polycythemia

In this condition, the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. Too many of these cells can thicken the blood, thus making it move slowly or clog. When the blood flow is disturbed, it paves way for many serious health issues in the future.

How to Protect Baby in Case of Gestational Diabetes?

Since the exact reason why a woman develops gestational diabetes is still unknown, it cannot be prevented completely. However, if you are pregnant, at risk of developing gestational diabetes, or are already diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you can do the following to protect the fetus:

1. Track Blood Sugar Levels

The first and foremost step for a pregnant mother at risk of developing gestational diabetes is to track her blood glucose levels regularly. You need not go to the doctor or the clinic to get tested. You can invest in one of the home test apparatuses and check your glucose levels every few days. Especially if you are experiencing any symptoms.

2. Eat Right

What you eat can have a big impact on your glucose levels. If needed, consult a nutritionist and come up with a diet plan that will help keep your glucose levels in check, without compromising on important nutrients for the growing baby.

[Read : Indian Diet Plan For Pregnancy With Gestational Diabetes]

3. Exercise

If you are cleared for exercise and have no risks in your pregnancy, ensure you keep moving. Even if you cannot dedicate time for exercises, just stay physically active. Physical activities can help use glucose and prevent a spike. Speak to your OBGYN to know if you can exercise and what exercises are safe for you.

4. Medication

In some cases where the gestational diabetes is severe, the mother-to-be might be put on medications – it can be oral or insulin shots. Ensure you take the prescribed dosage without fail. Missing even one injection can result in a sugar spike, which can have an impact on the baby.

5. Regular Check-ups

Pregnancy requires regular medical check-ups. If you have a complication like gestational diabetes, you need to keep a close watch on both the sugar levels and the development of the fetus. Do not miss your doctor’s appointments and take the recommended tests. These tests help determine if the baby is safe or if alternate steps have to be taken.

Optimal blood glucose level is very important for the proper functioning of the body and the organs in it. The mother’s health during pregnancy has a big bearing on the fetus’ health. Gestational diabetes if maintained properly, may not have any impact on the growing fetus. However, not keeping the glucose levels in check or not identifying the problem in time might have lasting effects on the baby’s health.