Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose occurring exclusively in pregnant women who did not previously have diabetes. About 5% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. It usually occurs around the 24th week of pregnancy, when the body produces large amounts of hormones to help the baby grow. These hormones cause insulin resistance and unless the woman can produce more insulin to overcome the resistance, the blood glucose will rise. High blood glucose levels may cause the baby to grow large.

Gestational diabetes usually disappears once baby is born, however it must be treated to reduce the risk of problems for you and your baby. Achieving excellent blood glucose levels will result in a healthy outcome for you and your baby.

Am I At Risk For Gestational Diabetes?

You could be at risk if:

  • You are overweight.
  • You have a family history of diabetes.
  • You have had a baby weighing over nine pounds.

How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?

Plan healthy meals

For anyone with diabetes, meal planning helps manage blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates such as bread, rice and fruit affect your blood glucose most. Eating too many carbohydrates can cause high blood glucose. A registered dietitian can help you learn to manage your blood glucose, while providing good nutrition for you and your baby.

Get Enough Exercise

Exercise is important when you have gestational diabetes. Talk to your health care team about the best kind of exercise to do while pregnant.

Test Your Own Blood Glucose With a Blood Glucose Meter

Testing your blood glucose lets you and your health care team know how your gestational diabetes plan is working. You and your team will decide how often to test and what your blood glucose goals are. Sometimes, changes in your diet or exercise are needed.

Test Your Urine for Ketones

If your body has to burn body fat for energy, ketones are left over in your bloodstream. This may be a sign that your body isn't getting enough glucose for fuel. Remember, when you're pregnant you need energy for two. Ask your health care team about ketone testing.

Take Insulin if Directed by Your Doctor

When you have gestational diabetes, the insulin your body makes may not be working well enough. Some women need insulin injections to manage their blood glucose. Tablets for diabetes cannot be used during pregnancy.

Effects of Gestational Diabetes on You

How Can Gestational Diabetes Affect Me?

When you develop gestational diabetes, there are some increased risks. Fortunately, in most cases, managing blood glucose levels may prevent these problems.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common in women with gestational diabetes. They are caused by bacteria, that may grow better when your blood glucose is high.

Caesarean Section

A caesarean section (C-section) is more common in women with gestational diabetes.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia or toxemia may develop in gestational diabetes. This is a serious condition that results in high blood pressure, protein in your urine, swelling in your face, hands and feet, and greater weight gain.

Polyhydramnios

Women with gestational diabetes sometimes develop polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid inside the uterus that surrounds the baby. Polyhydramnios can cause your baby to be born too early.

Effects of Gestational Diabetes on Baby

Can Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?

High blood glucose can affect your baby, but managing your blood glucose levels can lower the risk of complications.

Macrosomia

Macrosomia means large baby. When your blood glucose is too high, the extra glucose goes through the placenta to your baby. Your baby makes more insulin. The extra insulin and glucose make your child grow bigger and fatter than normal. Macrosomia can make it difficult for you to deliver your baby.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood glucose. If you have high blood glucose while you are in labour, your baby will make extra insulin. After delivery, the extra insulin causes your baby's blood glucose level to drop too low. Your baby's blood glucose level will be checked and treated, if necessary.

Jaundice of the Newborn

Jaundice is a condition that makes a newborn's skin look yellow. It is not serious, but it can happen if you have gestational diabetes. Here's how: Before delivery, your baby makes extra red blood cells. After delivery, your baby's liver breaks down and disposes of the extra cells, leaving a waste product called bilirubin. If your baby's liver is immature at birth, the extra red blood cells and bilirubin stay in the body, making the skin look yellow. This condition is treated in hospital with special lights.

Can I Have a Healthy Baby?

You CAN have a healthy baby if you have gestational diabetes by following these tips:

  • Follow your health care team's instructions.
  • Monitor your blood glucose with a meter.
  • Test your urine for ketones.
  • Follow your meal plan.
  • Exercise regularly.

Will My Baby Be Born with Diabetes?

No, your baby will not be born with diabetes.

Will Diabetes Go Away After My Pregnancy?

For most women the blood glucose will go back to normal after the baby is born. However, your risk of getting diabetes later in life is higher if you have had gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is important to follow a healthy meal plan, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. You should have a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) between six weeks and six months post-delivery. Also, have your blood glucose checked at each yearly visit. Taking better care of you now, means less chance of developing diabetes later.

For more information about managing your diabetes and testing, visit the Controlling your Diabetes section.