Gestational Diabetes Symptoms (Cont.)

The Impact of Gestational Diabetes Symptoms on the Baby

Untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes symptoms can mean problems for your baby, such as:
 
  • Stillbirth
  • Preterm birth
  • Being born very large and with extra fat (making delivery difficult and more dangerous for your baby)
  • Low birth weight.
     
Stillbirth
A woman with gestational diabetes symptoms is at greater risk for a stillborn baby than a woman who doesn't have diabetes.
 
Preterm Birth
If a pregnant woman with diabetes has problems that lead to a preterm (premature) birth, the baby might have:
 
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Intestinal problems
  • Vision problems
  • Bleeding into the brain.
     
Extra-Large Baby
If the woman's blood sugar remains out of control throughout the pregnancy, the baby likely will grow extra large. Out-of-control diabetes causes the baby's blood sugar to be high. The baby makes more insulin and uses the extra calories or stores them as fat. The baby is then "overfed" and grows extra large.
 

An extra large baby can cause problems during and after delivery. Pressure on the baby's shoulder during delivery can result in nerve damage. A newborn might have quickly changing blood sugars after delivery. A large baby born to a woman with diabetes might have a greater chance of being obese and/or developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

 

Low Birth Weight
A woman with uncontrolled gestational diabetes symptoms might have a baby born on time with low birth weight. A baby with low birth weight might have problems with:
 
  • Eating
  • Gaining weight
  • Staying warm
  • Fighting off infections.
     
Pages:

Previous 1   2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD