Gestational diabetes affects over 8% of pregnant women and dramatically increases the risks of health problems for both mothers-to-be and their developing babies.
At North Atlanta OB/GYN, our experienced women’s health experts offer state-of-the-art pregnancy care, including support for women with gestational diabetes and other high-risk pregnancies.
November is National Diabetes Month, an ideal time to focus on reducing your risk of developing gestational diabetes. The North Atlanta OB/GYN team explains what you need about gestational diabetes.
When you develop diabetes during pregnancy without a history of the condition, it’s called gestational diabetes. Though the exact cause is unknown, data suggests that hormones produced during pregnancy interfere with how the body regulates blood glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels in some women.
Your growing baby receives its nourishment from you. When your blood sugar is high, your baby receives more glucose than it needs for growth and development. This can cause the baby to gain too much weight, which can lead to difficulties during delivery.
Women with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing a form of high blood pressure called preeclampsia that only grows during pregnancy.
Some women have greater risks for developing gestational diabetes than others. Your risk for gestational diabetes is higher if you:
The more risk factors you have, the more prone you are to developing gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.
Your provider assesses your risks and other factors when counseling you on gestational diabetes screening. The screening test requires you to drink a sugary liquid and have your blood glucose measured an hour later.
Your provider may order an oral glucose tolerance test if your blood sugar is high. You’ll need to refrain from eating for at least eight hours before measuring your blood glucose. Your provider will administer an oral dose of glucose to you and take blood samples at four different intervals to evaluate how your body manages glucose.
Most women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. These moms-to-be find it reassuring that gestational diabetes is treatable and that their elevated blood sugar levels typically return to normal following pregnancy. Careful management and blood sugar control reduce health problems for mother and baby.
Women often ask about ways to lower their risk for health conditions like gestational diabetes, and there’s good news. You can take steps, including adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy to avoid gestational diabetes.
Try these three ways to lower your risk:
Health-conscious food choices will provide an excellent nutritional base to support you and the baby during pregnancy. Nutrient-dense foods help keep your body balanced to reduce the risks of health complications like gestational diabetes.
Eating healthy portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats is an excellent place to start.
Whether you’re trying to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, exercise is beneficial. Getting enough physical activity helps promote sensitivity to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin.
Aim for 30 minutes of low-impact exercise, such as swimming, walking, and other safe activities during pregnancy.
If you’re overweight, losing weight before conception and maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can help keep you and your baby healthy. Typical healthy lifestyle habits like getting enough exercise and choosing a balance of nutritious foods help with weight maintenance.
Pregnancy is an exciting time that can also feel stressful. You have much to consider and many decisions to make regarding caring for yourself during pregnancy. We’re here for you.
Call the North Atlantic OB/GYN office closest to you or use the online tool to contact us online. We have locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Marietta, Georgia.
