Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

How do I know if I have Gestational Diabetes?

If you are worried about having Gestational Diabetes, you should be offered an oral glucose tolerance test by your doctor. Gestational Diabetes, like the other types of diabetes, is an issue with high and low blood sugars. However, with Gestational Diabetes this is caused by a hormonal imbalance resulting from the pregnancy rather than a pancreatic issue.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes:

There are very rarely symptoms of Gestational Diabetes, one of the few things you should look out for are extreme thirstiness, and frequent urination.

What Can Put You At Risk Of Gestational Diabetes

  • Overweight and obesity.
  • A lack of physical activity.
  • Previous gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Diabetes in an immediate family member.
  • Previously delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

These symptoms don’t mean that you will have Gestational Diabetes, but you should tell your doctor about any of these if they apply to you.

What do I do if I have Gestational Diabetes?

Don’t panic! There are steps you can take to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Things you can do on your own

Staying active and eating healthy are two of the most important first steps. Doing these two things help regulate your blood sugar, which is the key thing to making sure you are healthy! Sometimes you may need medication to help your blood sugar levels stay balanced. You can talk to your doctor about what is good to eat, or whether you need medicine, and which medicine will help you most.

What Alexandria Women's Center can do for you

One of the best things that you can do for you and your baby’s health is to seek preconception consulting. Schedule an appointment with Alexandria Women’s Center so that our obstetricians can help you have a healthy pregnancy through and through.

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