Expectant mothers are careful to take any and all precautions to ensure optimum health for themselves, and their babies. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, can pose particular concern for both mother and child. It can, however, be successfully moderated and treated.

The American Association of Diabetes has indicated that there are two types of diabetes: Type II and I. Type I diabetes affects mostly children and adolescents, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. In some cases, diabetes is directly related to certain genetic problems.

Another type of diabetes is of particular importance to pregnant women. Can a woman develop diabetes during pregnancy? Does a woman with diabetes need to take extra care during pregnancy? Is there a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy?

These are all important questions to ask a healthcare practitioner. A woman who suffers with diabetes does have particular considerations to take into account before becoming pregnant. A diabetic mother who is carrying a child must appreciate the risks associated with having the disease; she needs to treat her pregnancy with a great deal of discipline.

Developing Gestational Diabetes

Aside from Type I and Type II diabetes, mothers who wish to have a baby must be aware that there is another possibility for acquiring diabetes. This condition, known as gestational diabetes, is developed during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this type of diabetes will disappear after the birth of the child, the mother will face a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

Indeed, there is a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. Gestational diabetes causes the body to resist the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. Symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by typical Type II diabetics.

A mother with gestational diabetes may notice an unusually high weight gain. This is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood, resulting in an increase in fetal urination. Pregnant women should be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation to ensure that they are not affected.

Only 2 percent to 3 percent of women acquire gestational diabetes, making the conditional relatively rare. Still, there are certain factors that can increase the risk:

* Age (older women face an increased risk)

* Being overweight

* Genetic history of Type II diabetes

* Ethnicity

* Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

* Previous children born weighing nine pounds or more

A woman with any or several of these potential risks should speak with her doctor about the possibility of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Statistics show that as many as 40% of the women who suffered from gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes over a period of 5 to 10 years following pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully in order to avoid contracting Type II diabetes later in life. Although many people lead normal lives with Type II diabetes, it's best to avoid it.

Gestational diabetes poses certain risks to expectant mothers, but it can be controlled. Speak with your obstetrician or healthcare provider to learn more about the causes, preventions and treatments. It's the best way to ensure your own wellness, and the health of your baby.

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Essayist Keefe Figgatt contributes to numerous Internet magazines, on healthy aging and healthy body issues.