Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It usually begins in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy (between the 24th and 28th weeks). Most often, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born.
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Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, and who have never been diagnosed with diabetes before, have gestational diabetes. Around 4% of all pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes - it's estimated that there are about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year.

Can Gestational Diabetes Affect my Baby?

A common concern to be sure - rest assured that gestational diabetes commonly only affects the mother's body late in the pregnancy, after the baby's body has finished forming. Be aware however that untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to a number of complications for your baby during, and after the birth.

• If untreated, gestational diabetes could lead to macrosomia, or a "fat" baby. This could cause serious shoulder problems during the birth.
• Due to elevated glucose levels in the mother, the baby's pancreas will produce extra insulin - this surplus could lead to a very low birth weight, and bring with it health complications associated with underweight newborns, including breathing problems.
• Babies born of mothers with untreated gestational diabetes are at-risk for becoming obsese children, and type 2 diabetic adults.

How Can I Treat Gestational Diabetes?

Because of the risk to you and your baby, treatment should begin quickly. Treatment for gestational diabetes is aimed to keep blood sugar levels tightly regulated. Treatment could include a customized meal plan and regularly scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood sugar testing and insulin injections. You'll need help from your doctor so that your treatment for gestational diabetes can be customized to fit your specific needs.

As the mother-to-be, treatment for gestational diabetes greatly lowers the risk of a cesarean section birth that large, or macrosomia babies could require. Be sure to keep to your advised treatment, as this will greatly benefit both your child and yourself in the immediate and distant future.

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