Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes, or diabetes of pregnancy, accounts for 1-14% of pregnancies in the US. Gestational diabetes is caused by a change in the way a woman’s body responds to insulin during pregnancy, or if your pancreas can support 2 where it previously supported only 1 person. Every woman is screened during her pregnancy for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks with a glucose blood test. If the glucose test is failed, a 3-hour glucose challenge is then administered. If that is also failed, the woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Having gestational diabetes can make your pregnancy high risk, and increases the likelihood of:

• Macrosomia (Large Infant Size)
  • Which can Lead to Increase in Risk for Delivering by C Section
  • Increased Risk of Birth Trauma
  • Increased Risk of Infant Complications after Delivery
• Increased Risk for Preeclampsia or Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
• More Frequent Monitoring and OB Appointments
• There is a 33-50% Likelihood of Developing Diabetes Later in Life for Mom

Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis & What to Expect

A gestational diabetes diagnosis can be alarming, especially during your first pregnancy, and the providers at Consultants in Women’s Healthcare understand that you may have questions on what to expect at your first gestational diabetes appointment. Our providers are knowledgeable about ways to management this condition and we have a licensed dietician who meets with our patients during their first gestational diabetes doctor appointment and throughout the pregnancy to discuss how to test blood sugar with a glucometer as well as diet modifications and exercise. If diet change alone does not manage blood sugar levels, the patient would be placed on oral medications, or possibly insulin based on the judgment of our knowledgeable providers.

Make an Appointment at Consultants in Women's Healthcare

No matter the prognosis, the providers at CWHC will be with you every step of the way and will provide you with the specialized care that is required for gestational diabetes.

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