When a pregnant woman develops diabetes, this is known as gestational diabetes. Unlike pre-existing diabetes, the pregnant woman who develops gestational diabetes did not have diabetes prior to the pregnancy.

About four percent of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. The cause of gestational diabetes is not completely understood, but it may have to do with hormones that help the baby develop but have a negative impact on the effectiveness of the mother’s natural insulin in her body.

Since gestational diabetes occurs late in a pregnancy, it does not pose a risk of birth defects. The baby can be affected by increasing the baby’s body mass which makes the baby susceptible to injury during birth.

Newborns whose mothers had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for breathing problems. Newborns may also have very low blood glucose levels at birth and may be at risk for childhood obesity and type II diabetes in adulthood.

Blood tests are done to check for gestational diabetes. A blood sample may be drawn at the beginning of the test. The pregnant woman is required to drink a glucose solution and have at least one more blood test after time has passed.

Gestational diabetes is treated with a diabetic diet. A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes may need to meet with a dietitian who will create a diabetic diet for the pregnant woman to follow.

The diabetic diet for gestational diabetes typically includes three meals and two snacks a day. The diabetic diet includes a variety of foods. The dietitian may give the pregnant woman in exchange list to use with the diabetic diet. The exchange list will have good suggestions and serving sizes for each of the food groups.

Checking blood sugar levels is an important part of managing gestational diabetes. The woman may be required to check her blood sugar levels multiple times a day and report the readings to the doctor’s office. If the gestational diabetes is not well managed, the pregnant woman may need to start taking insulin by injection.

It is not common for a woman or newborn to have diabetes immediately after birth. Women who have had gestational diabetes may be at increased risk of developing type II diabetes. With proper management, the effects of gestational diabetes on the mother and baby can be minimal.

• Understanding Glycemia Levels and Diabetes
• Pregnancy Guidance
• Hazards That May Lead to Diabetes
• Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
• Understand Proper Nutrition for Pregnancy