Gestational Diabetes – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when blood sugar levels become too high. Most women with this condition have normal blood sugar levels after giving birth.

Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range. This typically includes:

  • Healthy eating plans that limit carbohydrates
  • Regular physical activity (with healthcare provider approval)
  • Blood sugar monitoring several times daily
  • Medication or insulin if diet and exercise aren’t enough

After delivery, blood sugar usually returns to normal. However, women who have had gestational diabetes face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. With proper management, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms. Most pregnant women with this condition don’t notice any changes.

Some might experience:

  • Increased thirst
  • More frequent urination

These symptoms can be subtle and may overlap with normal pregnancy changes, making them difficult to recognize as signs of gestational diabetes.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to talk with your doctor before getting pregnant to check your risk for diabetes during pregnancy and your overall health. During pregnancy, your doctor will test for diabetes as part of your regular care.

If you do develop diabetes while pregnant, you’ll likely need more frequent check-ups, especially in the last three months. Your doctor will closely monitor both your blood sugar levels and your baby’s health during these visits.

Causes

Excess weight before pregnancy is often linked to gestational diabetes, though doctors don’t fully understand why some women develop this condition while others don’t.

During pregnancy, hormone levels naturally shift. These hormonal changes make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively. When insulin can’t do its job properly, blood sugar levels rise.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing gestational diabetes:

  • Weight Issues: Being overweight or obese.
  • Low Activity Levels: Not exercising regularly.
  • Health History: Having prediabetes or gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy.
  • Medical Conditions: Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Family Background: Having a close family member with diabetes.
  • Previous Birth Experience: Having delivered a baby over 9 pounds (4.1 kg).
  • Ethnic Background: Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian American.
  • Pregnancy-Related Risks: High blood sugar during pregnancy increases the risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and the need for a C-section.
  • Diabetes Risk: Gestational diabetes often recurs in future pregnancies and raises your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Health Risks During Pregnancy with High Blood Sugar

When blood sugar levels stay too high during pregnancy, your baby might face several issues:

  • Large Baby Size: High blood sugar can make your baby grow very big. Babies weighing over 9 pounds may:
    • Get stuck during birth
    • Suffer injuries during delivery
    • Need a C-section delivery
  • Early Birth: Your baby might be born too early (before 37 weeks) because:
    • High blood sugar can trigger early labor
    • Doctors might recommend early delivery if your baby is very large
  • Breathing Problems: Babies born too early may have trouble breathing properly. This condition makes it hard for them to get enough oxygen.
  • Low Blood Sugar After Birth: Some babies have dangerously low blood sugar right after being born. They may need:
    • Immediate feeding
    • Sugar solution through an IV in serious cases
  • Future Health Problems: These babies face higher chances of having:
    • Weight problems later in life
    • Type 2 diabetes as they grow older
  • Pregnancy Loss: Without proper treatment, very high blood sugar can lead to stillbirth in severe cases.

Prevention

Reducing the risk of gestational diabetes starts before pregnancy. While no method guarantees prevention, healthy habits can lower your chances of developing this condition.

Healthy Eating Choices

Focus on a balanced diet with these key elements:

  • Fiber-rich foods: Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Low-fat options: Lean proteins and reduced-fat dairy.
  • Controlled portions: Pay attention to serving sizes.
  • Variety: Include different food groups daily.

Eating nutritiously doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Small changes like choosing brown rice instead of white or adding an extra vegetable to meals can make a difference.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively.

Try to get 30 minutes of movement most days by:

  • Taking brisk walks
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Gardening
  • Dancing

Even short bursts of activity throughout the day count. Parking farther from entrances or taking the stairs adds up to meaningful movement.

Weight Management

Starting pregnancy at a healthy weight reduces your risk factors.

If planning to conceive:

  1. Work toward a healthy weight before becoming pregnant
  2. Make sustainable eating changes rather than trying crash diets
  3. Follow healthcare provider recommendations for appropriate weight gain during pregnancy

Ask your healthcare provider about healthy weight gain goals based on your pre-pregnancy BMI.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.