My wife has gestational diabetes in her 26th week.
Why is this harmful for the baby?
What I've read is very vague.
Gestational diabetes is just diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
In many women it settles after the baby is born, but some go on to have diabetes in the future.
Diabetes is not just a sugar problem, but affects the small blood vessels. The challenges for the baby are mainly nutritional, ie the quality of nutrition.
The baby gets all its nutrition through the placenta, which can be damaged by the diabetes.
Also, diabetes can affect kidney function, blood pressure and the circulation in the mum and in baby.
Complications during pregnancy are more likely in the presence of diabetes – from bleeding to pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
This all sounds a bit scary, but the good news is that all these risks can be minimised with good control of the diabetes.
Your wife's doctor or midwife will be able to advise you.
The NetDoctor Medical Team
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