Gestational Diabetes
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that
occurs ONLY in pregnant women who do not already have
diabetes. It usually goes away once the baby is born.
Only a small number of women are affected. It occurs
at about the 24th week of pregnancy, when your body makes
large amounts of hormones to help your baby grow. These
hormones keep your insulin from working the way it should.
When this happens, your blood sugar rises.
High blood sugar will cause your baby to grow
large and make insulin. Don't worry-most women with
gestational diabetes have healthy babies. Still, the
gestational diabetes has to be treated until your baby is
born. Keeping your blood sugar as near normal as possible
will prevent problems for you and your baby.
Am I At Risk For Gestational Diabetes?
You could be at risk if:
- You are overweight
- You have a family history of diabetes
- You have had a baby weighing over 9 pounds
Can Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?
Yes, high blood sugar can affect your baby,
but good control can lower the risk of your baby having problems.
Can I Have A Healthy Baby?
Of course you can have a healthy baby when you
have gestational diabetes. Here are some tips:
- Follow the instructions of your health care
team
- Check your blood sugar yourself with a meter
- Test your urine for ketones
- Follow your meal plan
- Exercise regularly
Will My Baby Be Born With Diabetes?
No, having gestational diabetes does not cause
your baby to be born with diabetes.
Will Diabetes Go Away After My Pregnancy?
Usually, your blood sugar will go back to normal
as soon as your baby is born. However, your risk of
getting diabetes later in life is high when you have had gestational
diabetes. It is important to stay on a healthy meal
plan, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
You should have your blood sugar checked again at your 6-week
check up and regularly (yearly) thereafter. Taking better
care of yourself now will mean less chance of developing diabetes
later.
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