Is it possible to develop gestational diabetes in the third month? And what makes it more likely to contract an infection? For the solution, keep reading.
Gestational diabetes is one of the health conditions that affect many women during the late stages of pregnancy, but what about gestational diabetes in the third month? How is it identified? The response is provided below:
Gestational diabetes in the third month
It is a high blood sugar level in a pregnant woman as a result of the inability to produce enough insulin to meet his additional needs during pregnancy. This medical condition appears during pregnancy and typically goes away after delivery.
Even though gestational diabetes can develop as late as the third month of pregnancy, it is more likely to do so in the second or third trimester, so women at high risk in the first trimester are screened early on.
Causes of gestational diabetes in the third month
The hormones secreted by the placenta, known as the "anti-insulin effect," are thought to have an insulin-blocking effect; however, the causes of gestational diabetes are unknown. This condition typically develops after 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
More of these hormones are produced as the pregnancy goes on, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. However, the pancreas is often able to produce more insulin to overcome the effect of placental hormones, and this may explain the low incidence of gestational diabetes in the third month.
Here are a group of risk factors that increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes in the third month:
- Weight gain during pregnancy .
- Diabetes in a parent or sibling.
- Gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.
- The presence of glucose in the urine.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes in the third month
Although gestational diabetes does not present any symptoms in the third month of pregnancy, it is frequently identified and identified through routine blood tests.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes in the third month
Between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy, one of the standard tests to identify gestational diabetes is a glucose screening test in which pregnant women drink a glucose-containing solution, and blood glucose levels are checked two hours later.
A 3-hour glucose tolerance test will be prescribed if this test reveals a high blood glucose level. If the second test results are abnormal, gestational diabetes will be diagnosed.
Therefore, we advise that you get tested earlier in your pregnancy if you are at risk for gestational diabetes.
Treatment of gestational diabetes in the third month
Keeping blood glucose levels under control is crucial when gestational diabetes is discovered in the third month of pregnancy to prevent complications for both you and your unborn child.
Here are some guidelines for managing blood sugar during the third month of gestational diabetes:
1. Eat a healthy diet
The expectant mother should maintain a nutritious, balanced diet low in sugar and try to control the weight gained during pregnancy by following the advice below:
- Consume 20 to 35 grammes of fibre per day through foods like oatmeal, whole grain bread, beans, and brown rice.
- Eat a variety of foods, including complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats, that are packed with the nutrients a pregnant woman needs.
- Natural sugars, like fresh and dried fruits, should be substituted for sugar-rich snacks like biscuits and sweets.
- Divide meals into three small meals and two to three snacks per day, roughly at the same times.
2. Exercise
Getting no more than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day can help you manage your blood sugar levels and lessen insulin resistance in your body.
Walking is one of the best exercises for pregnant women, so you can incorporate it into your daily routine. However, you should speak with a professional before beginning an exercise programme.
3. Take appropriate medications
If blood sugar levels continue to be high despite the aforementioned changes, many doctors may prescribe medications to help.
If you are worried about taking medications while pregnant, we want to reassure you that many medications are safe for the developing foetus. In addition, there may be greater risks for both you and your unborn child if gestational diabetes is not treated by the third month.