Gestational diabetes is when there's too much sugar in the blood. It happens because pregnancy hormones can make your cells resist insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood to the cells. During diabetes, too much sugar stays in the blood.

Gestational diabetes usually develops in the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy but often has no symptoms. Mild gestational diabetes symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Shakiness
• Feeling overly full or sick after eating
• Blurred vision
• Having to pee more often (a common pregnancy problem)

Fortunately, doctors can detect high blood sugar with a gestational diabetes screen. You’ll take the test around 28 weeks. If it’s positive, you’ll take another 3-hour glucose tolerance test.

If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, don’t fret. Our experts are here to ensure you get the best treatment. You’ll have more doctor visits and track your blood sugar with a monitor. You may need extra ultrasounds or non-stress tests during your pregnancy.

The treatment for gestational diabetes depends on the severity of the disease. For many, a carb-restricted diet and more movement are enough to keep blood sugar under control. However, some people may need medicine to help. 

If gestational diabetes isn’t well controlled, your baby can grow too big and can cause problems during delivery. A large baby (more than 8 pounds,13 ounces) may cause tearing, get their shoulder stuck on the way out, or need a C-section delivery.

Gestational diabetes goes away after birth. People who have gestational diabetes are likely to have it in a later pregnancy. About half the people who have gestational diabetes get type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes

You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

• Are older than 25
• Are Latino, African American, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander
• Are overweight or obese
• Gain a lot of weight during pregnancy
• Have previously had an unexplained stillbirth
• Previously had a high birthweight baby or one who had a congenital disability
• Had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prediabetes before you got pregnant
• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome

To monitor your gestational diabetes, you’ll check your blood sugar using a glucose monitor and a fingerpick up to 4 times a day and record the results. You’ll need to keep your blood sugar levels within specific limits to ensure you and your baby stay healthy.

Approximately 4 - 12 weeks after delivery of your baby, it's recommended that you get testing for persistent diabetes or pregestation diabetes.

Your care team will work closely with you to manage your gestational diabetes, and you’ll see them frequently. To lower your blood sugar, your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes.

Changing your diet

Watching how many carbohydrates you eat is key to managing gestational diabetes. Ensure your protein and fiber intake are good, too. 

Your gestational diabetes meal plan should include:

• Lots of fruits and vegetables
• Moderate amounts of lean protein and healthy fats, like olive oil and nuts
• Moderate amounts of whole grains
• Minimal amounts of sugary foods
• No alcohol or tobacco products

Gentle exercise

Moving your body can help control your blood sugar. The general rule is 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. But even just walking after a meal for 10 or 15 minutes can help. You should always check with your doctor before starting any exercise, especially when pregnant. 

Medicine

You may need medicine if diet and exercise aren’t enough to control your blood sugar. Your doctor may prescribe insulin (a shot) or other diabetes medicine. If you need medicine, you’ll have extra testing and prenatal visits.