Gestational diabetes is a common condition that pregnant women develop during pregnancy. But while it’s common and easily managed, it can still increase the risk of complications, like having to deliver via c-section, especially when your medical care team doesn’t treat the condition appropriately. While your Pennsylvania birth injury attorney can help you hold your medical care team accountable for their actions, it’s still important that you understand how this condition impacts your risks. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that develops when a woman’s body can’t produce enough insulin to keep up with increased demand during pregnancy. The condition is largely caused by hormonal changes and typically reverses on its own after the baby is born. However, like normal diabetes, gestational diabetes needs treatment for both mother and child to stay healthy.
Treatments can involve dietary changes, increasing exercise, and in some cases, supplementing with insulin during pregnancy. Failure to treat gestational diabetes correctly or promptly can increase the risk of complications that can lead to c-section deliveries.
Why Does Gestational Diabetes Increase C-Section Risk?
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of cesarian deliveries because the condition increases the likelihood of other medical concerns. C-sections are widely considered to be less risky than vaginal births if there are underlying health conditions that could make vaginal births more difficult.
It’s important to note that doctors don’t recommend c-section births without a reason. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, they may be inclined to recommend a c-section as a preventative measure.
Simply put, many doctors prefer to perform c-sections in case there are other complications that could threaten the health and safety of both mother and child. And since gestational diabetes increases your risk of macrosomia and preeclampsia (high blood pressure), they may recommend c-sections in the first place.
How to Reduce Your Risk of C-Section Resulting From Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes doesn’t guarantee that you’ll give birth via a c-section, and there are some things you can do to increase your chances of having a successful vaginal delivery. Here are a few things you and your doctor can do:
- Manage blood sugar levels: Get screened for gestational diabetes and if you’re diagnosed, maintain healthy blood sugar levels through eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and using medication if needed.
- Seek regular prenatal care: Make it a point to attend all prenatal appointments and, if your doctor doesn’t schedule those appointments, find a doctor who will.
- Discuss your concerns: If you feel that something isn’t right at any stage of your pregnancy, bring those concerns to your doctor. If they’re dismissive of your concerns or your symptoms, seek a second opinion immediately.
Your Legal Rights Explained
If your doctor fails to diagnose your condition or doesn’t administer treatment to help you manage your gestational diabetes, you may be able to file a malpractice lawsuit against them. Your Pennsylvania birth injury attorney will be able to help you determine if you have a case based on the details of your care and the decisions your medical care team made.
If you do have a case, you may be able to recover economic damages to help pay for previous and future medical costs as well as pain and suffering you experienced as a result of their treatment.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you developed gestational diabetes but weren’t properly diagnosed or treated or delivered via c-section as a result of your doctor’s negligence, you may be able to hold them accountable for their actions. Schedule a consultation with Latona Law today to learn more about your options.