1 Out of 3 Pregnant Mothers Not Tested for Gestational Diabetes

Thanks to television shows like TLC's A Baby Story and all of the various medical dramas on prime time, most people have heard of Gestational Diabetes. They know it could be serious, but may not know the actual issues and dangers to both the mother and the baby.

According to this site, Gestational Diabetes is "a type of diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is delivered...Gestational diabetes is not associated with increased risk of congenital malformations in the baby. However it is associated with large babies."

"The developing baby receives glucose and other nutrients from your blood stream... These babies can have more difficulties during delivery because of their large size. Labor may be slowed down or the baby may be too large for a vaginal delivery, therefore a cesarean section is more likely. There is also an increase in birth injuries when the baby is large....Typically women with gestational diabetes feel well. However, gestational diabetes (GDM) can be associated with high blood pressure. Your doctor will regularly monitor your blood pressure, check your weight and have your urine tested for protein".

The American Diabetes Association states that, "Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year." Which makes me wonder how it is possible that only 2 out of 3 pregnant women are being tested and screened for the disease? This is particularly curious considering no one knows what causes women without diabetes prior to pregnancy to suddenly develop it. You would think that it would make it all the more necessary to screen everyone!

Were you tested for Gestational Diabetes? Did your doctor discuss your potential risk factors and prevention tips?