Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Complications during Pregnancy for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Jennifer Thompson^* Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
^*Correspondence: Jennifer Thompson, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia, Email:

Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-20403; Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. CMCH-23-20403 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Mar-2023, QC No. CMCH-23-20403; Revised: 24-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-20403 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2090-7214.23.20.458

About the Study

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It affects about 7% of all pregnancies in the United States. GDM increases the risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including macrosomia (large birth weight), shoulder dystocia (difficulty delivering the baby's shoulders), preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. In this article, we will discuss the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GDM and their potential complications.

Macrosomia

Macrosomia is a condition in which the baby is born weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams). GDM increases the risk of macrosomia because the high blood sugar levels in the mother's body can cross the placenta and stimulate the baby's pancreas to produce more insulin. This increased insulin production can lead to excessive fetal growth.

Macrosomia can lead to several complications during delivery, including shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the baby's shoulders become stuck in the birth canal. This can lead to nerve damage in the baby's shoulders, arms, or hands, as well as hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the baby. In severe cases, shoulder dystocia can cause permanent injury to the baby.

Women with GDM who have a history of macrosomia or who have poorly controlled blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of delivering a macrosomic baby. To reduce the risk of macrosomia, women with GDM are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Preterm birth

Preterm birth is defined as the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Women with GDM are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely because high blood sugar levels can damage the placenta, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby. This can cause the baby to be born prematurely.

Preterm birth can lead to several complications, including respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), cerebral palsy, and developmental delays. Babies who are born prematurely are also at a higher risk of infections, feeding difficulties, and jaundice.

Women with GDM who have poor blood sugar control, hypertension, or preeclampsia are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely. To reduce the risk of preterm birth, women with GDM are advised to maintain good blood sugar control, manage any underlying medical conditions, and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Cesarean delivery

Cesarean delivery, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Women with GDM are at a higher risk of delivering via C-section because of the increased risk of macrosomia and fetal distress.

C-section can lead to several complications, including infection, bleeding, and injury to the mother's organs. It can also lead to longer hospital stays and a longer recovery time for the mother. Women with GDM who have a history of C-section or who have poorly controlled blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of delivering via C-section. To reduce the risk of C-section, women with GDM are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GDM is a condition that affects a significant number of pregnant women and increases the risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including macrosomia, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. These adverse outcomes can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby, including nerve damage, hypoxia, developmental delays, and infections. To reduce the risk of these adverse outcomes, women with GDM are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels closely, follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.