Most people withgestational diabeteshave uncomplicated, full-term births.
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy in a person who did not have diabetes before pregnancy.
Its also important to remember many pregnant people with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar levels.
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They may not experience complicationseveryone is different.
If you have questions or concerns about potential risks or complications, talk with your maternity healthcare provider.
Everyone who is pregnant is screened for gestational diabetes because the symptoms arent always apparent.
Symptoms
Many times, gestational diabetes wont have obvious symptoms.
This way, diabetes can be properly diagnosed and a treatment or management plan can be put in place.
The glucose screening test is a blood draw taken after you drink a glucose drink.
An early delivery may be induced, but it may not, especially if there are no other complications.
Induction
Induction of laboris when your provider gives you medication to start your labor artificially.
This is often done if your health or that of your fetus is at risk.
Risks of Delivering Early
Fetuses keep developing throughout all 40 weeks of pregnancy.
If they are born early, they lose valuable development time.
Birthing parents are also at higher risk of negative feelings toward their babies.
This usually consists of:
Medication might be necessary if this isnt enough to control your blood sugar levels.
This typically consists of insulin shots to help manage your blood sugar.
Early delivery might not always be avoidable due to complications with gestational diabetes.
Early induction might be the safest option for the birthing parent and baby.
A Word From Verywell
Giving birth early can be an emotional experience.
If your baby has to stay in the hospital for any reason, it can be especially challenging.
You do not have to handle the stressors of early delivery alone.
Ask your healthcare provider for resources.
This is tough stuff, but there are supports out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all people with gestational diabetes are induced early.
This is because uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to complications of pregnancy and birth, including stillbirth.
Induction is typically not recommended if your gestational diabetes is well controlled.
In general, induction for medical reasons is a safe procedure.
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