Gestational Diabetes

Two to 10 percent of pregnant women develop chronic high blood sugar levels, a condition known as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes may result in health problems during pregnancy and complications in childbirth. It can also impair the baby's health, cause birth defects or even lead to stillbirth. Because gestational diabetes is so common, normal prenatal care includes routine screening at about 24 to 28 weeks gestation. Women at higher risk are tested earlier.

Risk factors

If a woman is more than 20 percent over ideal body weight before pregnancy, this is a big risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. Women with a family history of diabetes, or were previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes, given birth to a baby over nine pounds or experienced an unexplained stillbirth are at higher risk. Hispanic, Black, Native American and Asian women have an elevated risk, as do women over the age of 35. A number of other characteristics are associated with gestational diabetes, but many women who develop the condition have no known risk factors.

Prevention

While nothing can change regarding age, ethnicity or family history, the major contributing factors are controllable. Reducing weight prior to getting pregnant is an excellent first step to take to prevent gestational diabetes. Avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy also plays an important part. Eating a healthy diet and exercising moderately while pregnant can also keep blood sugar levels in check.

Gestational diabetes is a serious health concern; if women diagnosed with the condition carefully follow the dietary and other guidelines for treatment, the chances are very good for experiencing a healthy pregnancy and birth.