If I have gestational diabetes, will I die during labour?

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Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Pregnant women with any form of abnormal blood sugar levels experience higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with normal pregnancies. In this article, we will discuss whether gestational diabetes can cause death during labour and the complications that gestational diabetes can cause during delivery.

Can gestational diabetes cause death during labour?

It is possible, but rarely. Most women with gestational diabetes can make it to their due dates safely and begin labour naturally. In some cases, though, gestational diabetes could change the maternal condition or how the baby is delivered. However, in rare cases, gestational diabetes mellitus can contribute to complications during delivery. Various links prove that gestational diabetes can contribute to maternal mortality. This is due to the risk factors like postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor and pre-eclampsia.

What complications can gestational diabetes cause during delivery?

Keeping the mother’s blood sugar level under control during labour and delivery is crucial. However, if you do not take insulin during your pregnancy, you will probably not need it during labor or delivery. 

Also, gestational diabetes puts a woman at higher risk for developing preeclampsia than women without the condition. It can cause a sudden blood pressure increase, mandating for delivery. During the third trimester, preeclampsia can progress rapidly to serious complications, including the death of both mother and foetus.

Another crucial problem could be foetal macrosomia (large baby). A high blood sugar level in the mother can cause the baby to grow larger than normal. This can make vaginal delivery difficult and increase the risk of injury to both mother and the baby.

Other than this, maternal diabetes has also been shown to be a risk factor for shoulder dystocia, a potentially devastating birth event that can cause foetal injury or death. Shoulder dystocia is a condition where the baby’s shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother’s pubic bone. This can endanger the health of both mother and the baby.

Additionally, women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of cesarean delivery (CD) than glucose-tolerant women. A study indicated that the risk of postpartum maternal death was almost three-fold higher with cesarean than vaginal delivery amongst the participants

Remember, not every woman with gestational diabetes is going to face complications during delivery. The chance of maternal death is rare and can be avoided by maintaining blood sugar levels within range. Therefore, it is important to manage gestational diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication according to the recommendations of your doctor.

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Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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