Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that appears for the first time during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second or third trimester when your body cannot make enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels.
The good news is that in most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. But it’s important to monitor and manage it well to protect both you and your baby’s health.
During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that help the baby grow. These hormones can also block the effect of insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. This is called insulin resistance. Your body then needs to make more insulin to keep your blood sugar normal. If it can’t make enough, your blood sugar levels rise, leading to gestational diabetes.
Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but some are more likely to have it, including those who:
If you have any of these risk factors, regular checkups and early testing are especially important.
Many women with gestational diabetes have no clear symptoms. That’s why it is often found through routine blood sugar tests during pregnancy. In some cases, women may experience:
These symptoms can also be part of normal pregnancy, so it’s important to rely on medical tests for a clear diagnosis.
Doctors usually test for gestational diabetes between week 24 and 28 of pregnancy. The test is called a glucose tolerance test. You will drink a sweet liquid, and your blood sugar will be checked after one hour. If the result is high, another test may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
At Al Aziziya Medical Center, we offer accurate lab tests and expert care to help you know your condition early and clearly.
If not treated, gestational diabetes can cause problems for both you and your baby, such as:
With the right care and follow-up, most of these risks can be avoided.
Managing gestational diabetes does not always require medication. In many cases, you can control it with lifestyle changes. Here are some key steps:
Focus on:
A nutritionist can help create a meal plan that fits your needs.
Light exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, can help lower your blood sugar and keep you healthy.
Checking your blood sugar levels regularly helps you and your doctor see how well your plan is working.
If diet and exercise are not enough, your doctor may prescribe insulin. It’s safe to use during pregnancy and helps protect your baby.
At Al Aziziya Medical Center, our doctors and nutrition experts will guide you step by step with a care plan that fits your lifestyle and supports your pregnancy journey.
If your blood sugar is well controlled, you can often deliver naturally at full term. If the baby is very large or there are other risks, your doctor may suggest an early delivery or a C-section.
Our experienced team at Al Aziziya Medical Center will help you decide on the best birth plan for you and your baby.
Most of the time, gestational diabetes goes away after birth. But you should test your blood sugar 6 to 12 weeks after delivery to make sure.
You should also have regular checkups every year, as women who had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Keeping healthy habits after pregnancy can protect you and your family for the long term.
That’s why we invite you to visit Al Aziziya Medical Center, where you’ll find a caring team of obstetricians, internal medicine specialists, and dietitians who will help you manage your pregnancy safely and confidently.
Gestational diabetes is not the end of the world. It’s just a signal from your body to slow down, eat better, and take care of yourself. With small changes and professional support, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Take control today—book your appointment at Al Aziziya Medical Center and let us walk with you through every step of your journey to motherhood.
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