While no two pregnancies are alike, it’s fair to say that pregnancy in general is experienced with excitement, anticipation, and the potential for complications. Among them, gestational diabetes can be one of the most surprising and confusing conditions expectant mothers may face. Just hearing “diabetes” can be daunting, which is why understanding gestational diabetes, its risks, and how to manage it can help pregnant women take control of their health in support of a healthy pregnancy.
Our team has the expertise and proven products to empower your pregnancy. We hope you’ll consider us your maternity care partner, from pregnancy to postpartum.
In that spirit, we invite you to explore our guide on gestational diabetes…
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually between the 24th and 28th weeks. Unlike other forms of diabetes, it typically resolves after childbirth. However, its temporary nature doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. Gestational diabetes occurs when your body isn’t able to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, to meet the increased needs during pregnancy. This leads to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which can affect both you and your baby.
As a pregnant mother, you’re likely already exhausted and possibly feeling a bit fraught when it comes to potential risks and complications; that’s why we want you to understand your risks for developing gestational diabetes.
Are you at risk for developing gestational diabetes?
The short answer here is “yes,” because any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes; however, certain factors may increase your risk, such as the following:
- Age: Women over 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
- Weight: Being overweight before pregnancy can raise the risk.
- Family history: A family history of diabetes can increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
- Ethnicity: Women of African, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent have a higher risk.
- Previous pregnancy(ies): If you’ve had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or delivered a baby over 9 pounds, your risk is higher.
What are the most common symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Unfortunately, gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, making it essential to undergo regular prenatal screenings. Women who do experience symptoms, typically report any or all of the following:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Keep these symptoms in mind and contact your provider if you experience any of them.
How will gestational diabetes impact me and my baby?
Fortunately, especially if you’re keeping up with your routine prenatal appointments, gestational diabetes can usually be managed effectively. Even so, it’s important to understand the potential risks if left untreated for both baby and mother:
- For the baby: High blood sugar levels can lead to macrosomia, a condition where the baby grows larger than average, increasing the risk of birth complications. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may also experience low blood sugar at birth and are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- For the mother: Women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. In fact, up to 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years following their delivery.
What does gestational diabetes management look like?
The good news is that gestational diabetes can be managed for a healthy pregnancy by combining lifestyle changes, careful and consistent monitoring, and medical support.
Regarding lifestyle changes, the goal here is to embrace a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Controlling carbohydrate intake is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. If you need help creating this kind of balanced diet, you might enlist the expertise of a registered dietitian who can help create a meal plan tailored to managing your gestational diabetes.
In addition, you want to get those steps in! Routine physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, but opt for safe and low-impact options like walking, swimming, stationary bike riding or prenatal yoga.
Those are the management tips that YOU can control. The following require supervision and management by your healthcare practitioner:
- Blood sugar monitoring: Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels is essential. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how often to check your levels and what targets to aim for.
- Medication: In some cases, diet and exercise may not be enough to control blood sugar levels, and insulin or other medications may be prescribed. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medication.
- Prenatal care: Frequent prenatal visits are important for monitoring your health and your baby’s development. Your provider may perform additional ultrasounds or tests to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Rather than feel frustrated or anxious, accept these extra appointments as peace of mind and assurance that your gestational diabetes is being properly managed so as not to negatively impact you or your baby.
Gestational diabetes: gone after delivery?
Yes. While gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, it’s important to continue monitoring your health. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle postpartum, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce this risk.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a glucose test 6-12 weeks after delivery to ensure your blood sugar levels have returned to normal. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential to catch any potential issues early.
Remember, you are not alone—many women successfully manage gestational diabetes and go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
If you have concerns about gestational diabetes or want more information on managing the condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
In the meantime, we hope you’ll explore our maternity care products, specifically our top-quality breast pumps, milk storage bags, and comprehensive accessories from a variety of industry-favorite brands.
“So grateful that my OB referred me to Eastern Maternity for my breast pump. This company has been totally on top of everything. The staff member I have worked with throughout the process is Alexa, and she has been amazing. Alexa is knowledgeable and attentive. She is polite, professional, and easy to talk to. She is quick to answer my phone calls and all of my questions. She has been so helpful submitting my equipment/ supplies through insurance – even when I didn’t think certain items would be covered. It has been such a pleasure to work with you Alexa! Thanks for everything!” – C. Gooding
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