Some people who develop gestational diabetes may require high risk pregnancy care. This is because it can put some pregnant people or their fetuses at risk of possible health complications.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It can lead to someone having a high risk pregnancy due to possible
However, regular prenatal care can help people have full-term pregnancies and deliveries without any complications.
This article examines whether gestational diabetes is a contributing factor to high risk pregnancies and the potential complications that may arise. It also discusses the average week of delivery, treating and managing gestational diabetes, and questions to ask a doctor during prenatal appointments.
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Doctors consider gestational diabetes a high risk pregnancy, so people with the condition will require close observation. With suitable blood sugar management,
However, people with gestational diabetes have an
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it
The CDC suggests that to reduce risks, it is important that a person has tests for gestational diabetes. It can be challenging as it does not always cause symptoms, but doctors can assess people’s medical history and possible risk factors.
Older research shows that people with gestational diabetes have an
- high blood pressure
- preeclampsia, a sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure
- pregnancy loss
- early or preterm labor and delivery
According to the CDC, if a person has gestational diabetes, as well as a high birth weight, the infant has an
- premature birth, which can cause breathing difficulties and other issues
- low blood sugar levels
- type 2 diabetes later in life
Blood sugar usually returns to typical levels after the infant is born. However, about 50% of people with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Doctors will test a person’s blood sugar levels 6–12 weeks after giving birth and every 1–3 years to ensure levels remain stable. They may also recommend people reach a moderate weight, if applicable, to help prevent any further complications.
Learn more about blood sugar goals with gestational diabetes.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), people with well-managed gestational diabetes can have full-term pregnancies from 37 weeks. Learn more about pregnancy trimesters.
However, doctors may induce labor if there are concerns about the pregnant person or the infant’s health. If they suspect any of the complications described above, there is a
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development suggests earlier delivery may be from
Learn more about the average week of delivery with gestational diabetes.
To help diagnose and manage gestational diabetes, doctors will screen for the condition using an oral glucose challenge test to assess a person’s blood sugar levels.
If they are high, they will order an oral glucose tolerance test to provide an accurate diagnosis. Both test results require high blood sugar readings to classify as gestational diabetes.
Testing usually takes place between
Find out more about screening for gestational diabetes.
Treating gestational diabetes
There are several ways a pregnant person can treat gestational diabetes. A healthcare professional will provide them with support on
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a treatment plan usually includes:
Nutritional guidance
Certain dietary changes will aim to manage blood sugar levels. People can seek support from a doctor or dietitian. They may recommend:
- having three meals a day
- choosing foods with a low glycemic index, such as:
- whole wheat foods
- brown rice
- pulses and beans
- eating fruits and vegetables
- eating sources of protein
- limiting sugary foods and drinks
Learn more about the best diet for gestational diabetes.
Exercise
Regular physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels. The NHS recommends people aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week.
Read more about the benefits of exercise for gestational diabetes.
Medication
If diet and exercise are not effective, some people may require medication, such as metformin, to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Others may require insulin injections.
Monitoring
A medical professional will closely monitor blood sugar levels and also request a person check them at home.
Doctors
Possible questions to ask a doctor
- Am I at risk for gestational diabetes?
- What can I do to lower my risk?
- How could gestational diabetes affect my baby’s health?
- How could gestational diabetes affect my health?
- If I have gestational diabetes, what happens next?
Additional questions may also include:
- How do I test myself for gestational diabetes?
- Will I have diabetes after pregnancy?
- Will my baby have diabetes?
- What symptoms will I experience with gestational diabetes?
- Does insulin have any side effects?
Doctors may classify some people with gestational diabetes as high risk pregnancies. This is because they have a higher risk of high blood pressure or premature labor if their blood sugar levels do not remain stable during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes may also affect the health of the fetus, as they may have a large birth weight or have low blood sugar levels when they are born.
However, most people have full-term pregnancies if they manage their condition and follow medical advice.
To help reduce risks and improve pregnancy outcomes, people can regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, follow a specific eating plan, and take moderate-intensity exercise. Some individuals may also require insulin to help manage blood sugar levels.