You might be eating for two, but pay careful attention to your blood sugar levels when you slip into the kitchen at midnight to sneak a piece of chocolate. According to the CDC, up to 9% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes at some point during pregnancy. That might mean choosing a different midnight snack until your little one arrives.
Identifying the signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes can help you to make the healthiest choices for you and your baby during pregnancy. Your doctor will screen for diabetes during your prenatal care appointments. Even so, early detection can help ensure that your entire pregnancy goes off without a hitch.
We've created this guide to explain everything there is to know about gestational diabetes and prenatal health. Read on to learn the causes and symptoms of this common diagnosis.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
There are different types of diabetes. You might already be familiar with Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
In Type 1 Diabetes, your body cannot produce insulin. With Type 2 Diabetes, your diet can impede your body's ability to produce insulin. While Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong diagnosis, Type 2 is reversible with mindful lifestyle changes.
In contrast, gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. Your body produces hormones that raise your blood sugar levels. They may become so high that your body cannot produce enough insulin to lower them.
There are two subtypes of gestational diabetes. Type A1 is similar to Type 2 diabetes, as you can manage it using diet and exercise. Type A2 is more severe and requires medication.
Regardless of subtype, gestational diabetes goes away once you have given birth. Still, women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.
You should prioritize the management of your diabetes after receiving a diagnosis. If left untreated, it can impact the health of your baby. Your doctor will help you create a treatment plan, including lifestyle changes.
Always consult your doctor regarding diagnosis, treatment, and care.
When Do Most Women Develop Gestational Diabetes?
On average, gestational diabetes develops around the 24th week of pregnancy.
Most women find out they have gestation diabetes after their glucose resistance test. Your doctor will schedule this test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. If you have early warning signs, they may arrange to perform the test sooner.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Gestational diabetes can be tricky because the symptoms are not often obvious. Many women chalk their symptoms up to the side effects of pregnancy. With so many changes to your body, it's easy to miss the subtle signs that something is wrong.
You may have gestational diabetes if you experience increased thirst or hunger. Some women with diabetes find that they urinate frequently.
While these symptoms may seem mild and manageable, take your diagnosis seriously. Untreated diabetes can cause complications during or after birth. Follow your doctor's advice at all times.
How Does Diagnosis Work?
Every pregnant woman undergoes a glucose tolerance test during the second half of her pregnancy. Although it's unpleasant and time-consuming, it's painless. You will probably need to fast the night before the test.
When you arrive, someone will draw your blood to provide your doctor with a baseline. Next, you will consume a sweet drink to raise your glucose levels. One hour later, someone will take your blood to compare it to the baseline sample.
Based on your results, your doctor may order a three-hour glucose test. This test is identical except that someone will take your blood one, two, and three hours after finishing the drink. You will receive a diagnosis if two or more samples show high glucose levels.
If only one of your samples seems high, your doctor might schedule an additional test about a month later.
If your doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes, please follow their care instructions at all times.
How to Cope With Gestational Diabetes
Foremost, be aware that gestational diabetes is never your fault. All pregnant women experience some insulin resistance during pregnancy. Your body is doing its best.
Still, some women may feel stressed after receiving a diagnosis. Unfortunately, high stress can also have an impact on your pregnancy. If diabetes is getting you down, here are some tips to help you cope and thrive during your final weeks of pregnancy.
Incorporate Easy Movement
Adding movement to your day is a healthy way to help your body do its job. Getting outside and into nature is also great for improving mental health. Plan to take a short walk in a beautiful place a few times each week.
Talk With Other New Moms
The internet is full of online groups and forums for pregnant women. Many online communities include spaces where women with gestational diabetes can vent and share lifestyle tips. Finding others in your situation can help you feel less alone.
Take Yourself on a Date
You're about to be near your sweet new baby 24/7, so now is the perfect opportunity to prioritize "me time." Take yourself on a relaxing self-care date. Visit the nail salon, book a massage, or go and get a decaf latte at a fancy cafe.
Trust Your Team
Although diabetes might be brand new for you, healthcare professionals have seen it all before. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't feel self-conscious about relying on their support. They have experience and are happy to share their wisdom.
Prioritize Pregnancy Care
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