Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy complication that affects approximately 2% to 10% of pregnant women. This condition, also known as GD and pregnancy diabetes, occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased need created by pregnancy. Our Georgia obstetricians test all patients between their 24th and 28th week of pregnancy for GD, but we always base our testing on the patients’ needs, health history and symptoms.
Which factors increase your risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy?
While certain conditions and factors may increase your risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy, many women who have the condition don’t have any risk factors.
- Having African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander heritage
- Being obese or overweight
- Having high blood pressure
- Not being physically active
- History of heart disease
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS
- Having a previous pregnancy in which you had gestational diabetes and/or had a baby who weighed nine pounds or more
If you are planning to get pregnant in the future, you may want to take preventive steps as part of your preconception planning, including getting to and maintaining a healthy weight and getting physically active.
How does gestational diabetes affect you and your baby?
Diabetes in pregnancy is a pregnancy complication that requires regular monitoring. If you have GD, you have a high-risk pregnancy, and you will need to see our physicians more often. When you see our Georgia obstetricians regularly, we manage your condition to avoid the complications that can occur when gestational diabetes isn’t controlled.
- Developing diabetes in pregnancy increases your risk of developing preeclampsia and high blood pressure.
- Your baby could be large, weighing nine pounds or more. A high-weight baby can increase your risk of having a C-section, tearing during a vaginal birth, or bleeding after you deliver the baby.
- Your baby could develop jaundice or breathing problems.
Our team carefully manages your pregnancy and prenatal care so that your pregnancy, labor and delivery go as smoothly as possible, resulting in a healthy mother and baby.
How do our physicians manage this pregnancy complication?
You are an important part of our management plan for gestational diabetes. You will need to test your blood sugar levels regularly and log in the results. You will also need to make healthy food choices, eating healthy snacks and meals regularly to maintain a stable blood sugar level. Exercise is another important component of your GD management plan. Our ObGyns will help you make a diet and exercise plan that works for you and your pregnancy.
Our team will see you more often during your pregnancy, closely monitoring your health and your baby’s development and growth. If needed, your physician may prescribe medication to help keep your blood sugar at the appropriate level.
Whether your pregnancy is routine or high risk, you can rely on our highly skilled team of Georgia obstetricians. Contact us for an appointment.
