Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Diagnosing gestational diabetes is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to various complications during pregnancy. Early gestational diabetes symptoms are not prominent. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as dietary modifications, exercise routines, and, if necessary, insulin therapy. This article discusses the trimester in which doctors can detect gestational diabetes.
What are different stages of pregnancy?
The pregnancy period is 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This entire period is divided into three trimesters:
- In the first trimester, fertilisation occurs, and major organs develop. Its period lasts from the first day of the last menstrual period to 13 weeks.
- In the second trimester, there is rapid growth and development of the foetus. Its period is between 14 and 27 weeks.
- In the third trimester, the foetus’ weight increases, and organs mature so that birth can happen. Its period is between 28 and 40 weeks.
What is the difference between gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes refers to a metabolic disease marked by higher blood glucose levels. There are three types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as childhood-onset diabetes, has an inappropriate production of insulin. It may begin at any age. But there are usually two peaks: 4 to 7 years and 10 to 14 years.
In type 2 diabetes, the body is not able to use insulin properly. Most often, middle-aged and older individuals develop it.
Gestational diabetes happens to women only during pregnancy. It occurs due to abnormality in insulin-producing cells or due to hormones that the placenta produces. Usually, early gestational diabetes symptoms don’t show.
How early can gestational diabetes be detected?
The diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman has abnormally high blood glucose levels in the first trimester, then it is type 2 diabetes (T2D) and not GDM. During the second or third trimester, the placenta secretes hormones like lactogen, which block insulin, leading to GDM.
Moreover, the studies suggest screening for GDM between 24 and 28 weeks is important to reduce adverse outcomes. One such outcome can be large-for-gestational age infants (LGA). After screening for blood sugar, early gestational diabetes symptoms may be visible.
The ‘American Diabetes Association’ (ADA) recommends that women with gestational diabetes risk in pregnancy should get diagnostic tests done during the first trimester.
What happens if gestational diabetes is not controlled?
Gestational diabetes requires proper management to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. Research highlights the potential consequences of uncontrolled gestational diabetes for mothers:
- Preeclampsia: A serious pregnancy complication in which there is high blood pressure and potential organ damage.
- C-Section Delivery: Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can elevate the likelihood of needing a caesarean section (C-section) delivery.
- Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Later: Women with uncontrolled gestational diabetes have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes is not only harmful for expectant mothers but can also affect the health of babies:
- Macrosomia: It is a condition where the baby grows too large. This can complicate delivery and increase the risk of birth injuries.
- Birth Defects: Uncontrolled gestational diabetes in a pregnant mother might elevate the risk of certain birth defects in the baby.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Research suggests that babies born to mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes might have a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a breathing difficulty.
- Increased Risk of Childhood Obesity: Uncontrolled gestational diabetes’s long-term effects on babies may increase the risk of developing obesity.
It is important to manage gestational diabetes effectively under a doctor’s supervision. Early detection and proper control can reduce these risks and promote a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.
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