What is Gestational Diabetes? Here's What You Need to Know.

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life. But it also comes

with a series of health checkups and new medical terms. One term you might hear is

"gestational diabetes." While it might sound intimidating, understanding what it means

can help you manage it effectively and have a healthy pregnancy.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy most commonly in 2nd and 3rd trimester. It affects how your body uses sugar (glucose). Just like other forms of diabetes, it causes high blood sugar levels, which can affect your health and your baby’s well-being. The good news is that with proper care, it can be managed.

Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby

is born. However, it does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

How Does It Happen?

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. One of these changes is the

production of hormones by the placenta. These hormones can make it harder for insulin

to work well in your body. When this happens, your blood sugar levels rise, leading to

gestational diabetes.

Who is Affected?

Gestational diabetes can happen to any pregnant woman, but some are more at risk

than others (more on that in Blog 3). It often shows up in the second half of pregnancy,

which is why doctors test for it between the 24th and 28th weeks.

Is it Dangerous?

If not managed, gestational diabetes can cause complications:

● Large birth weight (macrosomia), which can lead to difficult delivery

● Early birth or cesarean delivery

● Low blood sugar in the baby after birth

● Risk of type 2 diabetes later for both mother and child

How is it Managed?

Most women manage it through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood

sugar levels. Some may also need insulin or other medications.

Final Word

Gestational diabetes is not your fault. It’s a common condition that many women face.

The key is early detection, consistent care, and following medical advice. With the right

approach, you and your baby can thrive.