Gestational Diabetes

High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can affect your health and your baby’s growth and development. At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates in Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia, the caring team  and treats gestational diabetes. They work closely with you to create a personalized plan, including monitoring and guidance on diet and exercise, to support your safe and healthy pregnancy. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-induced condition that starts in the placenta. 

When you have gestational diabetes, your placenta prevents your body from using the hormone insulin efficiently. That can cause sugar to build in your blood, affecting your health and your baby’s wellness.

You can still have a healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes. However, managing your blood sugar is essential. The Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team helps you monitor and manage your blood sugar levels effectively.

How dangerous is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is usually manageable when your blood sugar levels are under control. However, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can have serious consequences for you and your baby, including:

• Very large baby (more than nine pounds)
• Cesarean section (C-section)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypertension or preeclampsia
• Premature birth

Having gestational diabetes can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life, so it's important to continue monitoring your blood sugar levels after your pregnancy ends.

What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes?

You may not have symptoms of gestational diabetes, which is why the Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team tests every pregnant woman between 24 and 28 weeks. However, recognizing the warning signs ensures you receive care as soon as possible.

Common signs of gestational diabetes include:

• Increased hunger or thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections

Tell the team if you experience any of the above symptoms during pregnancy.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

A glucose screening test is the best way to detect gestational diabetes. The test is simple. Exactly one hour after drinking a glucose beverage, the team tests your blood. 

If your blood sugar exceeds 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), you may have to return for a three-hour test. This test measures how your body processes sugar over a longer period and provides more information about your blood sugar levels.

Why does gestational diabetes happen?

Anybody can develop gestational diabetes, but certain risk factors can increase your chances, including:

• Excess weight
• Physical inactivity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes
• Previous baby over nine pounds

Having a close relative who’s had diabetes can also increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

Cal Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates today or schedule an appointment online to receive comprehensive gestational diabetes testing and management.