Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects women during pregnancy. Occasionally, women will develop diabetes during their pregnancy, but it often goes away once the baby is born.

There are a few things women who develop gestational diabetes should know about this form of diabetes, how it affects the mother and baby, and what can be done do to keep both of them happy and healthy.

Gestational Diabetes Checkup

One of the tests doctors conduct on pregnant women is a gestational diabetes check. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, there is a good chance that it will go away once you have your baby. In some cases, though, gestational diabetes turns into type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can recommend pregnancy-friendly medications as well as diet and exercise advice for you.

Whether you have gestational diabetes or not, life with a newborn can be full of joy and challenges. Keeping the baby and yourself healthy is important before and after birth.

After birth, you can create a diet and exercise plan to decrease your risk of health problems related to diabetes. Work with your doctor to make sure your child is getting the exercise and nutrition he needs by teaching him about healthy habits to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes later in his life.

Gestational Diabetes Side-Effects

Even if you don’t have diabetes after your pregnancy, you may have a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. Your child may also be at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their lifetime and could possibly struggle with their weight.

Women can be tested for continuing diabetes 6-12 weeks after their baby is born. Symptoms of prediabetes should be monitored regularly and control by eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you don’t have diabetes when you are tested, you should still get checked for type 2 diabetes about every three years. Are you looking to become pregnant again? Let your doctor know about your history of gestational diabetes.