Diabetes during pregnancy: Watch your sugar, protect your baby

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Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women get during pregnancy. It means your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It usually starts in the middle or late part of pregnancy, even if you didn’t have diabetes before.

The good news? Most women can manage it with healthy eating, exercise and sometimes medicine. It usually goes away after birth – but it still needs close care.

What Causes It?

When you’re pregnant, your body makes extra hormones. These can make it harder for insulin (a hormone that helps control blood sugar) to work. That’s called insulin resistance. If your body can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar in a normal range, you may get gestational diabetes.

Who Is at Risk?

You’re more likely to get it if you:

• Are overweight

• Had it in a past pregnancy

• Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes

• Have prediabetes

• Are African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander

How Will I Know If I Have It?

Most women don’t have symptoms. Sometimes, you may feel thirsty or need to pee more.

Doctors usually test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re at higher risk, they may test you earlier.

What Can Happen to My Baby?

With good care, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy babies. But if blood sugar is too high and not controlled, there can be problems, such as:

• A baby that is very large (macrosomia), which can lead to a harder birth or a C-section

• Low blood sugar in the baby after birth

• Breathing problems

• A higher chance of needing care in the NICU

• Jaundice

How Can I Manage It?

• Eat healthy foods: more fruit, vegetables and whole grains

• Stay active: try 30 minutes of light exercise most days (ask your doctor first)

• Eat small meals and snacks every 3–4 hours

• Watch your portion sizes and sugar intake

• Avoid sugary drinks

• Check your blood sugar as your doctor recommends

If diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor may suggest insulin. It’s safe for your baby.

After Baby Arrives

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth – but not always. You should:

• Get tested for type 2 diabetes 6 weeks after birth

• Keep getting tested every 1–3 years

• Stay active, eat well and keep a healthy weight

Your baby may also have a higher risk for diabetes later in life. Making healthy choices helps both of you.

The Bottom Line
Gestational diabetes is common – but manageable. Watching your blood sugar helps protect both you and your baby.