What is the cause of gestational diabetes?
While no-one really knows the cause, there are some factors that is might increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include: • A family history of diabetes • Obesity in the woman • Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. • Older maternal age (over the age of 30). • A previous delivery of a large (greater than 9 pounds) baby . What are the risks of gestational diabetes? High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. If a woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater change of developing diabetes, but there is also some other risks involved, such as macrosomia, or a “fat” baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including damage to their shoulders during birth, or a higher risk for breathing problems. Treating gestational diabetes In most cases, gestational di
