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Living with Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
When a pregnant woman who has not had diabetes shows high blood glucose levels during pregnancy this is called "gestational diabetes". Gestational diabetes affects 4% to 8% of pregnant women and usually appears late in the course of the pregnancy (27-28 weeks). It occurs when the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin, due to the pregnancy. Although the exact cause is not known, the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes are the same as those for developing type 2 diabetes: overweight; family history of close relatives with diabetes; or belonging to an ethnic group that has higher risk of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away shortly after delivery. However, if you have gestational diabetes with one pregnancy, chances are 2 in 3 that future pregnancies will cause the gestational diabetes to return. In addition, 40% of women who develop gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes in 5-10 years after delivery. In a few cases, pregnancy uncovers undiagnosed type 1 or 2 diabetes that will require treatment that continues after delivery.
Gestational diabetes can have an affect on both the mother and the baby and can be managed with diet, exercise and medication. Poorly controlled blood glucoses during pregnancy (whether diabetes is type 1, type 2, or gestational) can cause the baby to grow too large, increasing complications during delivery. Expectant mothers who don't control their diabetes have an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. Increased monitoring and frequent check ups can provide reassurance that the pregnancy and delivery will proceed routinely for a healthy mother and baby.
What to do if you have gestational diabetes:
Talk to your health care provider about your options to monitor and control blood sugar during pregnancy
Get tested for diabetes 6-12 weeks after your baby is born and every 1-2 years after
Try to reach your pre-pregnancy weight in 6-12 months after the baby is born and continue to eat a controlled carbohydrate diet
Breastfeed, if possible. This may help reduce pregnancy weight and may also help reduce the baby's chances of developing diabetes later in life
Talk to your health care provider at least 3-4 months prior to planning to become pregnant again
