Gestational diabetes
How Loote Ultrahelikeskus Can Support You and Your Baby During Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy does not always progress as calmly and worry-free as we initially hope. One of the most common reasons women turn to us is gestational diabetes or suspicion of it. Today, it affects approximately one in six pregnancies in Estonia.
Receiving such a diagnosis can raise many questions. Is the baby alright? Have I done something wrong? What happens next?
At Loote Ultrahelikeskus, we see this every day. And the first thing we want to say is this — you are not alone. In most cases, when gestational diabetes is carefully monitored and well controlled, pregnancy progresses normally.
Our goal is not only to monitor blood sugar levels. We look at the pregnancy as a whole — fetal development, growth, placental function, and your own health.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-related disorder of glucose metabolism in which blood sugar levels become higher than normal. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that increase insulin resistance and may affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes is a relatively common and increasingly prevalent condition in Estonia, currently affecting approximately one in six pregnancies.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
At Loote Ultrahelikeskus, monitoring for gestational diabetes begins with one important question: Is the baby developing normally?
Already in early pregnancy, during the first trimester, a detailed fetal ultrasound at 12 weeks, we assess not only fetal development but also the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Our midwife measures blood pressure, performs the necessary blood tests, and collects a detailed medical history, which also helps identify risk factors for gestational diabetes.
If the risk is elevated, we perform a glucose tolerance test already in early pregnancy and repeat it if necessary at 24–28 weeks, when gestational diabetes most commonly develops.
For us, it is important that the diagnosis is not delayed.
How Can Gestational Diabetes Affect Mother and Baby?
If blood sugar levels remain elevated for an extended period, certain risks may arise.
Gestational diabetes can affect fetal growth and well-being. The baby may grow larger than expected or, in some cases, smaller than expected. There may also be an increased risk of preterm birth, placental dysfunction, and difficulties in the newborn’s adaptation after birth.
For the mother, gestational diabetes may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia, the likelihood of labor induction or operative delivery, and the future risk of type 2 diabetes.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that in well-controlled gestational diabetes, pregnancy usually progresses normally, and maintaining normal blood sugar levels helps prevent most of these risks.
In gestational diabetes, ultrasound is not simply about taking measurements. During every examination, we assess fetal growth, body structure and development, placental function, and fetal wellbeing.
These examinations help us assess the baby’s condition as accurately as possible and make the right decisions at the right time.
Early Detailed Fetal Anomaly Ultrasound at 16–17 Weeks
At our center, fetal development can be assessed as early as 16–17 weeks of pregnancy using transvaginal ultrasound, which is particularly important in women in whom later ultrasound visibility may be limited due to increased maternal body weight.
Diagnostic Fetal Ultrasound with Pregnancy Risk Assessment
Around 20 weeks of pregnancy, we perform a detailed fetal anatomy examination to assess fetal development and exclude possible structural abnormalities.
Fetal Ultrasound for Growth and Wellbeing Assessment
During the third trimester, one of the most important questions becomes fetal growth. Around 32 weeks of pregnancy, we use an ultrasound to assess whether the baby is growing too quickly or whether growth restriction may be present.
Fetal Ultrasound for Assessment of Fetal Position, Growth, Well-being, and Preeclampsia Risk
Toward the end of pregnancy, around 36 weeks, we assess the baby’s estimated birth weight, placental function, and, when necessary, fetal lung maturity to help plan the safest possible delivery.
Based on this information, an individualized birth management plan can be created.
The Role of Midwife Jane
You are not alone on this journey.
Midwife Jane provides nutritional counseling, performs glucose tolerance testing, and teaches the use of continuous glucose monitoring. If needed, she can help place a Dexcom ONE+ sensor, which allows real-time 24-hour blood sugar monitoring without daily finger pricks.
Continuous glucose monitoring helps better understand how your body responds to food, physical activity, and treatment, allowing for more precise blood sugar control.
When necessary, we also involve an endocrinologist to find the best treatment approach for you.
The glucose tolerance test is performed in the morning on an empty stomach. You should not eat for at least 8 hours before the test, although drinking water is allowed.
First, a fasting blood glucose sample is taken. You will then drink a solution containing 75 g of glucose. At Loote Ultrahelikeskus, we offer a choice between orange- or lemon-flavored drinks, served chilled for better tolerance.
Blood sugar levels are measured again after 1 hour and 2 hours. The test takes approximately 2 hours in total. If needed, anti-nausea medication may be used to make the test more comfortable.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if at least one value exceeds the normal range:
- fasting glucose ≥ 5.1 mmol/L
- 1-hour value ≥ 10.0 mmol/L
- 2-hour value ≥ 8.5 mmol/L
Our Goal
The goal of Loote Ultrahelikeskus is not to perform more examinations, but to perform the right examinations at the right time — and to support you throughout your pregnancy.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or there is suspicion of it, you are warmly welcome at our center.