If you have gestational diabetes, you'll likely be getting more growth ultrasounds, and with those growth ultrasounds, you may notice or have been told that your baby's abdomen circumference (fetal AC) or tummy size is measuring a bit ahead.
So, you may be wondering, what does this even mean for you and your baby? Do you have to deliver sooner? Can you still have a vaginal delivery? How can you manage this to ensure the healthiest outcome?
We're here to talk about it and help you feel more informed and prepared!
We're Here for You
But first, at GDMamas, we understand the challenges of managing gestational diabetes and are here to support you every step of the way including helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and make informed choices for your health and your baby’s well-being.
To provide even more support, we offer the Balancing Blood Sugars subscription.
For less than a weekly cup of coffee, you get instant access to ALL our guides and blogs, including:
Plus, you’ll have exclusive access to specialty wellness blogs. With no commitment and the ability to cancel anytime, this subscription is designed to make managing gestational diabetes affordable and accessible.
Now back to it...
How Blood Sugars Affect Fetal Growth
When you have gestational diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be running higher than normal. This excess glucose can cross the placenta to baby, leading to elevated blood sugar levels in baby.
Your baby’s pancreas responds by producing more insulin, a hormone that helps to lower blood sugar levels but also promotes fat storage and growth.
The extra glucose that crosses the placenta into your baby’s bloodstream is converted into fat, primarily accumulating in the abdominal area. This process is similar to how adults store excess energy, but in your developing baby, it leads to a disproportionately larger abdomen compared to other parts of the body.
That's because elevated insulin levels in your baby do not just help in lowering blood sugars but also act as growth promoters. This effect is particularly noticeable in the abdominal region, contributing to a larger AC.
Comments