Can Gestational Diabetes Increase Your Risk Of Postpartum Depression?

Along with recommending cardio exercise and more green veggies, many doctors are now prescribing a self-care regime to expectant mothers to stave off health concerns. In recent years, researchers from around the globe are uncovering the ways in which mental and physical health are undeniably linked. 

 A 2014 report out of Oxford University found that mental illness can reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years. Depression is well-known to be a common risk factor for heart disease according to John Hopkins Medicine. For pregnant women, the mind body connection may start with insulin levels. 

According to a study published by the University Of Eastern Finland, women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are more likely at risk for developing postpartum depression. At the same time, the study revealed that gestational diabetes increases the chances of a type-two diabetes diagnosis after pregnancy.  

The results of the study doesn’t surprise Dr. Craig Salcido, an OB/GYN at Mission Hospital. “Mental health can affect many aspects of day-to-day life, from how a pregnant woman physically feels to handling regular stress and anxiety,” says Dr. Salcido. “Monitoring gestational diabetes through daily finger prick testing can lead to stress and a feeling that things are ‘out of control’ if blood sugar remains high despite maintaining healthy eating habits, or other complications develop.”

Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Depression Risk

Gestational diabetes develops in 2 percent to 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention. It occurs when the body can’t make enough insulin. Women who are older than 45 years old, are overweight or have developed gestational diabetes in the past have the greatest risk of diagnosis. 

Brea mother of two, Amy Nguyen, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes while expecting her first baby. “It made rethink my entire pregnancy,” says Nguyen.”All my adult life, I thought when I become pregnant, I will eat anything I want and I was going to enjoy every minute.  It was my pass to indulge! Once diagnosed with [gestational diabetes], I had to rethink about my own health (as it can lead to Type 2 Diabetes if not controlled) as well as my babies' health. Reflecting on it, it helped me stay disciplined to grow my healthy babies.”

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Nguyen describes limiting her carbohydrate intake, eating smaller portions and taking long walks after dinner as her means of managing gestational diabetes. Her endocrinologist had her testing her blood sugar seven times a day. Fortunately, Nguyen didn’t develop postpartum depression and wasn’t officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her second pregnancy which she credits to diet and exercise changes. 

Although Nguyen says she never considered the threat of postpartum depression, for many women, the likelihood of mental illness lingers. About one in seven women experience postpartum depression as reported by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Salcido lists panic attacks, lack of interest, crying spells, withdrawal from friends and family and severe anxiety as some of the symptoms common during postpartum depression. 

Dealing with the stress of monitoring insulin levels can be problematic and may help us understand how the two ailments are connection. However, the exact relationship between postpartum depression and gestational diabetes is still not entirely understood but Dr. Salcido offers some insight and advice. 

“Worries about their [own] and their child’s health on top of other outside stressors that might arise throughout a pregnancy, may increase the chances of developing postpartum depression,” he says. “It is critical that new moms talk with their physicians if they are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. It is a serious health condition and your physician can help you navigate the best care plan for you based on your individual needs.”