Pregnancy diabetes symptoms look so much like normal pregnancy discomforts that many women suffering from pregnancy diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes, do not even realize that they may have pregnancy related diabetes.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes in pregnancy typically begin somewhere in the middle of the second trimester. The condition is usually diagnosed at about 24 week’s gestation because your physician will order a gestational diabetes screening that needs to be scheduled and done in the laboratory. The ADA (American Diabetes Association) website infers that around 18% of pregnant women are diagnosed with pregnancy related diabetes.

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes does not mean that you had diabetes before you were pregnant or that you will have it after the pregnancy is over. Many women have gestational diabetes who have never previously had diabetes and who go through life never experiencing diabetes again.

The important thing to remember is that if you are having some of these pregnancy diabetes symptoms, it is very important to get treatment immediately as this condition can be harmful to both mother and infant.

 

What are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy?

 

If you are asking yourself, “what are the symptoms of diabetes in pregnancy,” this is what the ADA (American Diabetes Association) considers signs of diabetes:

  • When you are much thirstier than you were prior to pregnancy.
  • If your mouth is dry all the time and you cannot get rid of that funny taste in your mouth.
  • If you are constantly running to the bathroom to urinate.
  • If you become winded easily and it is hard to get your breathing back to normal.
  • If you breathe much faster than you used to and your breaths are shallower.
  • If it is hard to slow your breathing down.
  • If you have noticed that your pulse has gotten increasingly faster.
  • If you sweat a lot more than you ever did before you were pregnant.
  • If people comment that your breath smells like an overly ripe fruit bowl.
  • If you have noticed that your urine or your sweat has a pungent fruity aroma to it.

 

Most pregnant women experience some of these symptoms at different times during pregnancy. As the baby pushes down on the bladder it becomes normal to use the restroom more often. As the lungs and stomach get more squished, it becomes normal to suffer from increased thirst, difficulty breathing, and even strange tastes in your mouth.

If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is important to discuss this with your physician to ensure you do not have gestational diabetes.

 

Confirming Symptoms of Diabetes during Pregnancy

 

Remember, even if the symptoms you are having seem to be normal pregnancy stuff, it is important to get the gestational diabetes screening at around 24 weeks gestation.

Gestational diabetes is extremely hazardous to the health of mother and child. Gestational diabetes makes the mothers body resistant to insulin, thus blood glucose is not being metabolized properly. This can cause damage to organs, eyes and limbs for the mother. It can also cause large birth weight in babies, which can lead to severe complications during childbirth. The rate of necessary c-sections goes way up with pregnancy related diabetes.

If you have symptoms that could be pointing to gestational diabetes contact your physician to find out what to do next. Treatment for gestational diabetes may include dietary changes, exercise modifications, frequent blood sugar monitoring, keeping track of food consumed, possible insulin therapy and/or medication therapy.

Keeping you and your baby healthy will lead to a much more pleasant pregnancy, delivery and first few days, weeks and months as a new family. Receiving a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be frightening, but it is much easier to handle if you know what you are looking at. Wishing you and your little bundle of joy a happy and healthy pregnancy!