How GDM Affects Pregnancy
High blood sugar after the first trimester (3 months) can make the baby grow too big or be born too early. It can be hard on the mom and baby when it is time to give birth.
High Blood Sugars Can Harm:
A baby by causing:
- Birth too soon (Premature)
- Being born with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Being born too big
- Trouble breathing
- Developing jaundice (yellow-orange skin and eyes) after birth
- Miscarriage (baby dies early in pregnancy)
- Baby is not born alive (Stillbirth)
- Higher chance of dying shortly after birth
- Higher chance of developing obesity later in life
- Higher chance of developing diabetes later in life
A pregnant mother by causing:
- High blood pressure
- Eye problems
- Kidney problems
- Nerve problems
- Infections
- A C-section delivery if the baby is too big
- Diabetes later in life
During pregnancy:
Baby’s blood sugar = Mom’s blood sugar