What are the symptoms of a baby born to a mother with gestational diabetes?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on November 07, 2024
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During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman suffers from high blood glucose, it can potentially impact the fetus's growth and development. After the baby is born, this may result in a larger size of the fetus, and a decrease in the baby's immune system, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. If high blood glucose occurs during pregnancy, it is important to control the diet promptly, eat less sugary food, and also control the portion of food. If necessary, medical treatment under the guidance of a doctor can also be conducted to maintain blood glucose at a stable level. If blood glucose is well-controlled during pregnancy, the baby will be just like other healthy babies after birth.

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Written by Chen Kai
Endocrinology
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How to control diet in gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels found during pregnancy in individuals who did not previously have diabetes. Overall, dietary control for gestational diabetes is similar to that for typical diabetes patients. It involves avoiding high-calorie, high-sugar, and fried foods. It is advisable to consume more fruits and vegetables, as well as foods with a lower glycemic index. Increasing the intake of whole grains and mixed grains is recommended, while nuts such as peanuts and sunflower seeds should be limited. Foods should be steamed rather than boiled, and fried foods must be strictly avoided.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What to eat with gestational diabetes

The dietary control for gestational diabetes adheres to the same overall principles as non-pregnant diabetes management, mainly focusing on controlling total caloric intake and eating smaller, more frequent meals. This approach helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Additionally, it is important to consider the nutrients required for fetal growth and development. Generally, carbohydrate intake should make up 50%-60% of the diet, proteins 15%-20%, and fats should not exceed 30%. Foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels and are high in fat should be consumed minimally. Instead, it is beneficial to consume a lot of vegetables, at least 500 grams daily, to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Dietary Guidance for Gestational Diabetes

The dietary principles for gestational diabetes are consistent with those for non-pregnant diabetes. Firstly, the total daily caloric intake should be balanced, with carbohydrates accounting for 50%-60%, proteins for 15%-20%, and fats for 20%-30%. The overall principle is to eat smaller, more frequent meals, ideally adding two to three snacks to the three main meals per day. Common foods primarily include milk, proteins, egg whites, and fruits. Then, generally maintain the level of diet before pregnancy without overly restricting it. It is advisable to consume a significant amount of vegetables, no less than 500 grams daily, to supplement vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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How to treat gestational diabetes?

The treatment principle for gestational diabetes is to control blood sugar and then ensure the normal development of the child. There are many methods to control blood sugar. First, it involves diet management guided by a doctor, adjusting the diet's structure and quantity, followed by post-meal exercise. If after a week of adjusted diet and post-meal exercise, blood sugar levels still do not meet the standards, insulin injections can be used to keep the pregnant woman's blood sugar within the prescribed range. This can help reduce the impact of diabetes on the fetus and the pregnant woman.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Should pregnant women with gestational diabetes drink whole milk or skim milk?

If a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, she needs to be very careful about her diet. Whether to drink full-fat or skim milk during pregnancy depends on the individual's caloric needs. Considering the different amounts of calories produced by fats and proteins, skim milk generally has lower calories. Therefore, a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes can drink skim milk, but she should also be cautious about the total amount of milk consumed. She should not drink too much at once or consume milk excessively, because both full-fat and skim milk can lead to a significant increase in blood sugar levels.