Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high, which also makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher.
Most pregnant women have a glucose screening for gestational diabetes at 24–28 weeks. If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will create a treatment plan to help control your blood sugar levels and protect both your health and your baby's health.
The good news is that gestational diabetes is manageable, and most women can get their blood sugar levels under control with a healthy food plan and daily exercise. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy, affecting blood sugar levels in both mother and baby.
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high.
That makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher too.
Most pregnant women have a glucose screening for gestational diabetes at 24–28 weeks.
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect the Baby?
A big worry about gestational diabetes is how it affects the baby, potentially leading to several health complications.
A big worry about gestational diabetes is how it affects the baby.
Babies born to mothers who have gestational diabetes are more likely to be born early (prematurely), which can lead to health problems and needing breathing support.
They are also more likely to grow very large, which can make delivery harder and C-section more likely.
Babies may have low blood sugar just after they're born, requiring extra monitoring and treatment.
These and other kinds of problems from gestational diabetes can make babies need to stay in the hospital longer for extra treatment.
Babies born to moms with gestational diabetes are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Potential Complications:
- Premature birth (being born early)
- Health problems and breathing support needed
- Growing very large (macrosomia), making delivery harder
- Increased likelihood of C-section
- Low blood sugar just after birth
- Longer hospital stay for extra treatment
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
How Is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will create a treatment plan to help control blood sugar levels.
If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will probably start you on a treatment plan.
Most women can get their blood sugar levels under control with a healthy food plan and daily exercise.
Some women also need to take daily insulin shots and test their blood sugar until they give birth.
Following your doctor's treatment plan is essential for keeping both you and your baby healthy.
Treatment Options:
- Healthy food plan (diet)
- Daily exercise
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Insulin shots (if needed)
- Regular prenatal care visits
What Happens After the Baby Is Born?
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but there are important considerations for future health.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after a baby is born.
A mom may get it again in future pregnancies, though.
Many women who have gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes later.
You can lower that risk by keeping a healthy weight after delivering your baby.
Talk to your doctor about how to improve your health and monitor for type 2 diabetes after your baby is born.
Potential Complications for the Baby
When gestational diabetes is not well controlled, it can affect the baby in several ways:
Premature Birth
Babies may be born early, which can lead to health problems and breathing support needs
Large Baby Size
Babies may grow very large (macrosomia), making delivery harder and C-section more likely
Low Blood Sugar
Babies may have low blood sugar just after birth, requiring extra monitoring and treatment
Extended Hospital Stay
Babies may need to stay in the hospital longer for extra treatment and monitoring
Future Diabetes Risk
Babies are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life
Important: Following your treatment plan and keeping your blood sugar well controlled can help minimize these risks and protect your baby's health.
Key Takeaways
Routine Screening
Most pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.
Manageable Condition
Most women can control gestational diabetes with a healthy diet and daily exercise.
Baby's Health
Well-controlled blood sugar helps protect your baby from complications like premature birth or being too large.
Future Health
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but monitoring for type 2 diabetes is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high, which also makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher. It usually goes away after the baby is born.
When is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Most pregnant women have a glucose screening for gestational diabetes at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will test your blood sugar levels to determine if you have gestational diabetes.
How does gestational diabetes affect my baby?
Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to be born prematurely, grow very large (making delivery harder), have low blood sugar after birth, need breathing support, and require a longer hospital stay. They also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
How is gestational diabetes treated?
Most women can get their blood sugar levels under control with a healthy food plan and daily exercise. Some women also need to take daily insulin shots and test their blood sugar regularly until they give birth. Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan.
Does gestational diabetes go away after pregnancy?
Yes, gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. However, a mom may get it again in future pregnancies, and many women who have gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
How can I reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes?
You can lower your risk by keeping a healthy weight after delivering your baby. Talk to your doctor about how to improve your health and monitor for type 2 diabetes after your baby is born. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help.
Will I need medication for gestational diabetes?
Many women can manage gestational diabetes with diet and exercise alone. However, some women may need insulin shots to help control their blood sugar levels. Your doctor will determine what's best for you based on your blood sugar levels.
What should I eat if I have gestational diabetes?
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a healthy food plan that helps control blood sugar. This typically includes eating balanced meals with appropriate portions, choosing whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables, and limiting sugary foods and drinks. A registered dietitian can help create a meal plan for you.
Can I exercise if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes, daily exercise is often a key part of managing gestational diabetes. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can help control blood sugar levels. Always check with your doctor about what types and amounts of exercise are safe for you during pregnancy.
Will having gestational diabetes affect my delivery?
Well-controlled gestational diabetes reduces the risk of complications. However, if blood sugar is not well controlled, babies may grow too large, which can make delivery harder and increase the likelihood of needing a C-section. Following your treatment plan can help minimize these risks.
Important Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or obstetrician for personalized guidance regarding gestational diabetes, blood sugar management, and treatment options.
Gestational diabetes requires medical management. Your healthcare team will help you create a treatment plan that's right for you and your baby. Regular monitoring and following your doctor's recommendations are essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.