Annually, around 2-10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body struggles to produce enough insulin during pregnancy.
An increase in blood sugar levels can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.
Strict blood sugar control is essential to manage gestational diabetes.
Here are some tips for managing gestational diabetes:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Follow a healthy meal plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Attend regular prenatal check-ups to monitor your condition.
- Stay informed about gestational diabetes and ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have.
With proper management and care, women with gestational diabetes can have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies.
Screening and Risks
The screening for gestational diabetes typically takes place between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
Risk factors include a history of large babies, family history of diabetes, and high BMI.
Potential complications for both the mother and the baby include a large baby, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery.
Management and Control
Maintaining tight blood sugar control is the key to managing gestational diabetes.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and restricting carbohydrate intake is crucial.
Engaging in physical exercise can help lower blood sugar levels.
In some cases, women may need insulin to control gestational diabetes.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is also important for managing gestational diabetes.
It is recommended to work closely with healthcare providers to create a personalized management plan that meets individual needs and ensures the health of both the mother and baby.
Postpartum Care
After giving birth, blood sugar levels typically return to normal.
Regular follow-up care is important to monitor the development of type 2 diabetes.
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Care and Support
University Hospitals provide comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies.
The Diabetes and Metabolic Center offers ongoing care for diabetes and related conditions.
Blood Sugar Testing
During pregnancy, regular blood sugar testing is crucial.
If necessary, a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) may be recommended.
Healthy Diet
A dietitian can offer guidance on adopting healthy eating habits.
It is advised to eat regularly, opt for low GI foods, and avoid sugary foods.
Furthermore, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can provide essential vitamins and nutrients for optimal health. Another important aspect of a healthy diet is staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, incorporating lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals can help maintain a balanced diet.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise plays a significant role in managing gestational diabetes.
The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can provide support for exercise and weight management.
Medication
If diet and exercise are insufficient, medication may be necessary.
Metformin or insulin injections might be prescribed if blood sugar levels remain high.
Metformin
The medication is typically taken up to 3 times a day with or after meals.
Possible side effects may include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Insulin
If other treatments are ineffective, insulin may be recommended.
Insulin is administered through an insulin pen for safe and accurate dosing.
The process of using an insulin pen is usually painless, injecting a small amount just below the skin’s surface.
Based on the prescribed insulin type, it may be taken before meals, at bedtime, or upon waking.
You will receive instructions on your insulin dosage, which may need adjustment over time as blood sugar levels fluctuate during pregnancy.
Experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as shakiness, sweating, hunger, paleness, or difficulty concentrating, warrants prompt testing and treatment.
If on insulin, you will receive information on managing hypoglycemia.
Monitoring your pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications in the baby, such as excessive growth.
Additional antenatal appointments may be offered for monitoring purposes.
These appointments may include ultrasound scans to check for abnormalities and monitor growth and amniotic fluid.
It is important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow any recommended monitoring guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby during pregnancy.
Giving birth
It is ideal to give birth between weeks 38 to 40 for individuals with gestational diabetes.
If blood sugar levels are normal and no health concerns arise, natural labor may be an option.
Induction or c-section might be recommended if necessary after 40 weeks and 6 days.
Early delivery may be suggested in cases of health concerns or poor blood sugar control.
Giving birth at a hospital with trained staff is essential for proper care.
Have your blood sugar testing kit and medications available at the hospital, continue monitoring until delivery.
During labor, blood sugar levels will be monitored and regulated with insulin if needed.
After birth
Following delivery, you can interact with and feed your baby immediately. Feeding at regular intervals is important until stable blood sugar levels are achieved.
Your baby’s blood sugar will be checked within a few hours of birth.
If low, temporary feeding through a tube or drip may be required.
If necessary, specialized neonatal care may be provided.
Medications for blood sugar control post-delivery will cease, with follow-up checks advised.
If both you and your baby are in good health, you may be discharged within 24 hours.
A blood test for diabetes is recommended 6 to 13 weeks postpartum.
Due to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, an annual diabetes test is advised.
Video: gestational diabetes
This video provides guidance on gestational diabetes, including Kimberley’s journey during pregnancy after diagnosis.
Page last reviewed: 08 December 2022
Next review due: 08 December 2025
Gestational diabetes affects approximately 5% of pregnancies every year. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent complications for both the parent and the fetus.
Effective management through the Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is specific to pregnancy, occurring when blood sugar levels increase during pregnancy.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body struggles to utilize food for energy and growth, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
During pregnancy, changes in the body may impair insulin function, leading to gestational diabetes.
The hormones from the placenta can cause insulin resistance, necessitating increased insulin production.
Screening for gestational diabetes typically occurs between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
The Difference Between Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is specific to pregnancy due to insulin resistance caused by hormonal changes.
Higher insulin production is required to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, especially during pregnancy.
Screening usually takes place between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
Will gestational diabetes hurt my baby?
Without treatment, gestational diabetes can lead to health complications, underscoring the importance of following a healthcare provider’s treatment plan.
Most individuals with gestational diabetes can safely deliver by their due dates, with adjustments if necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
Controlling glucose levels can prevent specific complications related to gestational diabetes.
Possible complications include macrosomia, hypoglycemia, jaundice, respiratory distress syndrome, and low calcium and magnesium levels in the baby.
Will gestational diabetes affect my labor and delivery?
Most pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes safely reach their due dates, although the condition may influence the delivery process.
While gestational diabetes could impact delivery, not all cases require changes in delivery methods.
Understanding potential adjustments during delivery is crucial for those with gestational diabetes.
- Blood Sugar and Insulin Balance—maintaining controlled blood sugar levels during labor and delivery is vital for both your health and your baby’s health. If you did not require insulin during pregnancy, you likely won’t need it during labor or delivery. If you used insulin during pregnancy, you may receive an insulin shot when labor begins or receive insulin through a thin, plastic tube in your arm that enters your bloodstream during labor.
- Early Delivery—Gestational diabetes puts women at a higher risk than individuals without the condition for developing preeclampsia late in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition related to a sudden increase in blood pressure and can be serious. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, but early delivery may not always be the best choice for your health or the baby’s health. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor you, possibly in the hospital, and conduct various tests to determine the safety and necessity of early delivery. Your healthcare provider will provide more information about early delivery if it becomes necessary.
- Cesarean Delivery—This surgical procedure is used to deliver the baby instead of the natural vaginal delivery. Cesarean delivery, also known as a cesarean section or “C” section, is not justified solely by gestational diabetes, but your healthcare provider may have other reasons for recommending a cesarean delivery, such as changes in your health or the baby’s health during labor.
Will I have diabetes after I have my baby?
After giving birth, your body should be able to utilize insulin more efficiently. Once the placenta is delivered shortly after childbirth, insulin resistance caused by the placenta diminishes, and gestational diabetes typically resolves.
If you had gestational diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Type 2 diabetes, like gestational diabetes, occurs when the body does not use insulin properly.
Adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity postpartum can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Who can I go to for help with gestational diabetes?
Team Approach for Managing Gestational Diabetes
For individuals with gestational diabetes, the most effective way to manage the condition is through a collaborative team effort. This team typically consists of a range of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care and treatment.
- Obstetricians: These healthcare providers specialize in pregnancy and childbirth, and play a key role in monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy.
- Advanced Practice Nurses: These nurses have advanced training and education, allowing them to provide specialized care for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
- Registered Nurses: These healthcare professionals assist in daily monitoring, education, and support for individuals with gestational diabetes.
- Registered Dietitian: A registered dietitian can help individuals with gestational diabetes create a healthy eating plan to manage blood sugar levels and ensure proper nutrition for both the mother and the baby.
- Certified Diabetes Educator: These professionals specialize in educating individuals with diabetes on how to effectively manage their condition, including monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medication as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes.
By working together, this multidisciplinary team can provide holistic care for individuals with gestational diabetes, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to manage the condition effectively and promote a healthy pregnancy.