Gestational diabetes is a condition that can develop during pregnancy but usually disappears after giving birth. This is when an expectant mother develops high fasting blood sugar levels. This condition can develop at any stage of pregnancy, however, for a majority of women, it is most common in the second and third trimesters.
Who is at risk of developing gestational diabetes?
Any woman can develop the condition however the risk is increased if [1]:
Your body mass index is above 30
You had relational diabetes in pregnancy previously
You had a baby who weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb) at birth
One of your parents or siblings has diabetes
How is gestational diabetes identified?
Typically there are not any symptoms of the condition as in most cases the condition is discovered only when an expectant mother's blood sugar levels are tested.
Does my diet impact my risk of developing gestational diabetes?
Expectant mothers who gain weight very rapidly during pregnancy are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes. When this occurs, glucose remains in the blood instead of being used for energy, causing other health problems [2].
Portion your meals into three main meals and two or three snacks per day. Your plate should be half fruits or vegetables, a quarter approved carbohydrates, and a quarter lean protein.
If your diet does not adequately control your diabetes, insulin may be prescribed.
How is gestational diabetes different from type 2 diabetes?
Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy, and usually disappears after delivery. It’s first detected during pregnancy (that is, if it wasn’t present before). As in cases of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will monitor your health and make dietary recommendations to keep it under control.
It is important to maintain a good relationship with your doctor to ensure that you get the right test to determine your health and the baby's health to stay well and access any treatment you may need.
How does gestational diabetes lead to complications?
It can lead to high blood pressure and preeclampsia. It can also contribute to the baby’s higher-than-average growth, which might make vaginal childbirth impossible. In the latter case, you’ll have to schedule a cesarean (C-section) [3].
How does it impact my baby?
Larger babies are more likely to have a difficult or traumatic birth, if vaginal, and are more likely to need Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care. They have a higher risk of jaundice, low blood sugar, and breathing problems. There is also a higher risk of stillbirth [1].
Can a baby be born with diabetes?
It’s rare but possible.
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Gestational diabetes should not impact your ability to breastfeed.
Will my baby need special tests after birth if I had gestational diabetes?
After birth, your baby will have his blood glucose levels tested at the hospital. If your newborn is very large, it’s an indicator that the diabetes was not sufficiently controlled during pregnancy, and your care providers will likely add observation and testing to keep an eye on your baby’s condition.
Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
As previously mentioned, gestational diabetes usually disappears after delivery. However, women who experienced gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Your doctor will test your blood after delivery to see if your sugar levels have returned to normal. Typically, women are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes if their BMI is over 25 and their waist measures more than 31.5 inches.
For women who develop gestational diabetes in their first pregnancy, about half will develop it again in their second pregnancy.
This article was created in association with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
