Learn how gestational diabetes affects labour, including increased C-section risk and managing blood sugar levels.
Dr Monika Meena
Getting diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy is a rather stressful situation for the mother and the fetus. Gestational diabetes, a condition that develops during pregnancy, can have a significant impact on labour and delivery.
However, according to the National Health Mission, about 10% - 15% of pregnant women in India are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Understanding how it affects labour and using proper management strategies can reduce risks for the mother and child.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs when the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy, usually developing in the second or third trimester. If unmanaged, it can lead to complications like high birth weight, preterm labour, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and baby. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
GDM develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Hormonal changes, pre-existing conditions, and lifestyle factors can raise the risk.
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or delivered a baby weighing over 4 kg (macrosomia) are at a higher risk of developing GDM again.
Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed through an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) performed between 24 – 28 weeks of pregnancy. This test evaluates how the body processes glucose after consuming a glucose solution of a known concentration. Elevated blood sugar levels indicate GDM.
Early identification of risk factors enables better management, reducing complications for both mother and baby.
Gestational diabetes can significantly impact labour and delivery. Due to the condition, mothers are at a higher risk of complications, such as delivering larger-than-average babies (macrosomia), which can make vaginal delivery more difficult.
As a result, doctors may recommend medical interventions like inducing labour to avoid potential issues or even a cesarean section (C-section) if there are concerns about the baby’s size or the mother’s health. Proper management of gestational diabetes can help minimise these risks during delivery.
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of preterm labour, leading to birth before 37 weeks. Premature babies may face complications like respiratory distress syndrome (due to underdeveloped lungs), low birth weight, and a higher risk of infection.
However, maintaining blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and insulin (if needed) can significantly lower the risk of early delivery. Proper GDM management throughout pregnancy improves health outcomes for both mother and baby.
Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of prolonged labour, primarily due to macrosomia—a condition where the baby weighs significantly more than average. A baby can make vaginal delivery more challenging, slowing labour and increasing the likelihood of medical interventions.
Poorly managed blood sugar levels may further complicate labour, making the process longer and more difficult. Doctors closely monitor labour progression in women with GDM to detect complications early. If needed, interventions such as assisted delivery or a caesarean section may be recommended.
Managing gestational diabetes through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication (if required) can reduce the risk of prolonged labour and improve the chances of a smoother, safer delivery.
For women with gestational diabetes, induction of labour or cesarean delivery may be recommended to reduce risks and ensure a safe delivery. If the baby weighs more than average (macrosomia) or if there are concerns about maintaining healthy blood sugar levels during delivery, these interventions may become necessary.
Inducing labour is often considered when it’s safer to deliver earlier, while a cesarean section may be required if the baby is too large for a safe vaginal birth. These decisions are made to minimise risks and ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and child.
For women with gestational diabetes, the decision to induce labour or opt for a caesarean section is based on medical factors that prioritise the safety of both mother and baby.
Doctors closely monitor each case to determine the safest approach. Proper blood sugar management, prenatal care, and timely medical decisions can help improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Induction may be recommended if:
Cesarean delivery may be suggested in cases where:
If left unmanaged, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can cause serious issues for both mother and baby. For the mother, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and the need for a cesarean section.
Babies born to mothers with uncontrolled GDM may develop macrosomia, which can lead to delivery challenges, including shoulder dystocia. They may also experience low blood sugar after birth, respiratory issues, or an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Proper management of GDM is essential to reduce these risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can pose risks to both the mother and baby if not properly managed during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and careful blood sugar control are crucial to reducing them.
Maternal Complications:
Fetal Complications:
Gestational diabetes treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar levels to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Key aspects include diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and medication. This approach helps reduce risks for both the mother and baby.
Treatment for gestational diabetes involves controlling blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medical supervision. Proper management can reduce the risks and support a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery for both mother and baby.
Key treatment components include:
Here’s a sample diet plan for managing gestational diabetes, tailored to our food habits. It is important to consult your doctor or nutritionist before making any dietary changes to ensure that they meet your specific health needs.
| Meal | Foods to Include |
| Breakfast | Multigrain roti or whole wheat bread, boiled eggs, and vegetables |
| Mid-morning snack | Handful of nuts (like almonds) and low-fat curd or buttermilk |
| Lunch | Brown rice, dal, a portion of lean chicken or fish, and vegetables |
| Evening snack | Fruits like apple or guava, with roasted channa (chickpeas) |
| Dinner | Whole wheat roti, green vegetables (spinach, beans), and dal |
This plan incorporates recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and emphasises low glycemic index foods, which are beneficial in managing blood sugar levels. Always discuss your diet with your doctor to ensure it fits your gestational diabetes management plan and provides the right nutrition for you and your baby.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy-related condition that demands careful monitoring and management to protect the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Without proper management, gestational diabetes can result in issues such as preterm labour, prolonged labour, or the necessity for a cesarean delivery due to macrosomia, where the baby grows larger than average.
However, there risks can be minimised by adopting a well-balanced diet, staying physically active, and closely monitoring blood sugar levels. Consulting your doctor for personalised treatment plans is crucial. Early diagnosis and effective management ensure healthy delivery and reduce long-term risks for both mother and child.
FAQs
Delivery typically occurs between 38-40 weeks of gestation. However, earlier delivery is sometimes recommended if there are complications.
Gestational diabetes usually resolves after birth, but there's a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Treatment includes a controlled diet, regular exercise, and sometimes insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
A diet with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding processed foods and sugars.
Complications include a large baby, preterm birth, and increased risk of cesarean delivery.
Yes, women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to develop it in future pregnancies.
Yes, a glucose test 6-12 weeks postpartum is recommended to ensure normal blood sugar levels.
Regular medical checkups are required while keeping a daily fetal movement count for the fetus. Regular ultrasounds for fetal growth and Doppler ultrasound is needed after 28 weeks of gestation.
