Gestational Diabetes

“Hormonal changes and weight gain are part of a normal pregnancy,” says Valerie Rabinovich, M.D., OB/GYN at Millennium OB/GYN at Redeemer Health System. For at least nine out of every 100 pregnant women, these changes cause a rise in blood sugar, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition in which too much sugar stays in the blood instead of being used for energy. Health problems can occur when blood sugar is too high. Some women develop diabetes for the first time during pregnancy. This condition is called gestational diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes need special care both during and after pregnancy.

Address Your Risk

Diabetes can occur in women who have no risk factors, but it is more likely in women who

• are overweight
• are physically inactive
• had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy
• had a baby over 9 pounds in the past
• have high blood pressure
• have a history of heart disease
• are of African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Island background

 “It is standard for every pregnant woman to be tested for diabetes around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy regardless of risk factors,” says Dr. Rabinovich.  If you have risk factors, your blood sugar will be tested early in pregnancy. The most common test used in the U.S. is to drink a sugary liquid and get a blood test one hour later. If this shows a high level, a second, confirmatory test is done.

Lifestyle Changes are Key

Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby. When a woman has gestational diabetes, her body passes more sugar to her baby than it needs. With too much sugar, her baby can gain a lot of weight. “A large baby, weighing 9 pounds or more, can lead to complications for the woman, including labor difficulties, cesarean delivery, heavy bleeding after delivery, severe tears in the vagina and the anus with a vaginal birth, “ says Dr. Rabinovich

Fortunately, treating gestational diabetes can help prevent these problems. For many women, a healthy diet and regular exercise will control blood sugar. Some women may need medications to help reach normal blood sugar levels.

• Know that what you eat, how much you eat, and how often you eat all affect blood-sugar levels
• Eat three small meals and two to three small snacks a day
• Choose smaller portions of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products
• Limit sweets
• Exercise for 30 minutes or more at least five days a week

“Walking is a great exercise for all pregnant women. “ says Dr. Valerie Rabinovich. 

After your pregnancy

Having gestational diabetes increases your  risk of developing diabetes in your next pregnancy and in the future when you are no longer pregnant.

You should have a blood test 12 weeks after you give birth. If your blood sugar is normal, you will need to be tested for diabetes every 1–3 years.

Lastly, Dr. Rabinovich would like to you to remember - if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes do not panic! Instead, use this special moment in life to make changes for a healthier pregnancy and your overall health after your baby is born.