Some of what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy is understood but it isn’t always clear why some women have a problem with it while others don’t. What is known is that almost every woman will develop some degree of glucose intolerance that is impaired by the normal hormonal changes caused by pregnancy. That indicates that almost all pregnant women have higher than normal blood sugar. But this alone is not enough to explain what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy. It does usually happen in the last trimester.

While pregnant, some hormone levels are increased, particularly those made in the placenta. This is needed to help pass nutrients from the mother to the baby. Meanwhile, other hormones in the placenta are produced to help the mother from developing low blood sugar levels. The way they work is by stopping the actions of insulin. Part of what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy is that these hormones lead to increasingly impaired glucose intolerance, meaning higher blood sugar level. To try to get the blood sugar down, the body makes more insulin to get glucose into the body’s cells to use for energy.

In most women, the pancreas is able to compensate. But if the pancreas can’t keep up, the blood sugar will continue to rise, and this is what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy for many women.

 

Why Should You Be Worried About Gestational Diabetes?

 

Diabetes affects the baby during the course of the pregnancy, and can result in birth defects, as well as an increased chance of miscarriage. While birth defects are certainly a serious consideration, the baby can become over-nourished, resulting in excess growth and weight, making birth much more difficult. Large babies require cesarean section deliveries, and trauma to the shoulder of the babies is likely if it is delivered normally.

And after birth, the baby is at increased risk of having very low blood sugar right after birth, since the nutrition from the mother is cut off.

 

What are the Risk Factors?

 

The mechanism of what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy is known, as explained above, but what are the risk factors?

  • Being more than 20% overweight prior to becoming pregnant
  • Belonging to a high risk ethnic group (Hispanic, Black, Native American, or Asian).
  • Presence of sugar in your urine.
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Previously delivering a baby over 9 pounds.
  • Previously giving birth to a stillborn baby.
  • Developing gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.

 

If you understand the risk factors for what causes gestational diabetes in pregnancy, you can be sure to get proper treatment and be on the lookout for developing it. And that is the best you can do. Be in the best possible physical health before becoming pregnant.