What Is Gestational Diabetes? What Expecting Moms Need to Know
Pregnancy brings plenty of questions, especially when it comes to your health and your baby’s development. When your provider schedules a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes, you may wonder what it involves and what happens if your results are abnormal.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. It is common, and routine screening helps identify it so you and your provider can take steps to manage your blood sugar and support a healthy pregnancy. Being diagnosed doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, and with appropriate care, gestational diabetes can often be managed effectively.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make your body less responsive to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. If your body cannot produce enough insulin to compensate, glucose can build up in your bloodstream, resulting in gestational diabetes.
It can develop in anyone during pregnancy, although certain factors, such as a family history of type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, can increase your risk.
When Are You Tested for Gestational Diabetes?
Screening is typically performed between 26 and 29 weeks of pregnancy, although your provider may recommend earlier testing based on your medical history.
The initial glucose challenge test involves drinking a sweet liquid and having your blood sugar measured afterward. If your result is higher than the recommended threshold, your provider may recommend additional testing to determine whether you have gestational diabetes. An elevated screening result does not automatically mean you have the condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?
Many women with gestational diabetes have no noticeable symptoms. Others may experience increased thirst, frequent urination or fatigue, although these can also be normal pregnancy symptoms.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Managed?
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and blood sugar levels. Your care plan may include:
- Balanced nutrition: Learning how food choices, portions and meal timing affect blood sugar.
- Physical activity: Incorporating pregnancy-appropriate movement, as recommended by your provider.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Checking glucose levels to help determine whether your treatment plan is working.
- Medication when needed: Some women need medication, such as insulin, to keep blood sugar within the recommended range.
Your provider may also recommend additional prenatal visits or monitoring to assess your baby’s growth. It is important to note that needing medication is not a failure. The goal is to provide the care that best supports you and your baby.
Can Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?
When blood sugar remains elevated, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications, including a larger-than-average baby, delivery complications and low blood sugar in the newborn after birth. It can also increase the mother’s risk of certain pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia.
However, a diagnosis does not mean these complications will occur. Appropriate treatment, monitoring and regular prenatal care can help reduce risks and support a healthier pregnancy.
What Happens After Pregnancy?
Blood sugar often returns to normal after delivery, but having gestational diabetes increases your future risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Your provider will recommend postpartum blood sugar testing, generally four to 12 weeks after delivery, along with ongoing screening as appropriate.
Healthy habits and regular follow-up can help support your long-term health.
Get Support for a Healthy Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through screening and provide support throughout your pregnancy. Have questions about gestational diabetes or your prenatal care? Call 770-385-8954 or request an appointment online.
