Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women, but it can also bring unexpected health challenges. One of these challenges is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)—a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy.

If you have gestational diabetes, you might be wondering if it’s serious and if it makes your pregnancy risky.

The answer is yes—gestational diabetes does make your pregnancy high risk. But here’s the good news—it can often be managed with the right care, and with a little extra effort, you and your baby can stay healthy!

We’ll explain everything you need to know in the simplest way possible so you can feel confident and informed.

Gestational diabetes happens when your body cannot handle sugar properly during pregnancy. This causes your blood sugar levels to get too high, which can affect your health and your baby’s health.

Why does this happen?

When you’re pregnant, your body makes special hormones to help the baby grow. These hormones can sometimes block the normal work of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your cells use sugar for energy. When this happens, sugar builds up in your blood instead of being used properly.

⇒The Differences with Other Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes: You don’t have any insulin because your body can’t make it.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t use insulin as it should, often because of lifestyle or genetics.
• Gestational Diabetes: This starts during pregnancy only. It often goes away after giving birth but might increase your chances of having type 2 diabetes later in life.

Think of this example: Imagine insulin is like a key, and sugar is like a locked door. During pregnancy, the lock becomes tougher to open.

If your body can’t make enough keys (insulin) to open the door, sugar piles up in your blood. That’s gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes makes your pregnancy high-risk because high blood sugar affects both you and your baby. But don’t worry—most risks can be controlled with care and attention!

⇒Risks for You

1. High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia
   High blood sugar can cause high blood pressure, sometimes leading to a condition called preeclampsia. This can harm your organs and might mean the baby needs to be delivered early.
2. Cesarean Delivery (C-Section)
   Babies of moms with GDM can grow too large, a condition called macrosomia. This can make it difficult for the baby to fit through the birth canal, leading to the need for a C-section.
3. Higher Risk of Getting Type 2 Diabetes Later
   About half of women who have GDM will develop type 2 diabetes later unless they make lifestyle changes.

⇒Risks for Your Baby

1. Excess Weight (Macrosomia):
   Babies may grow very large (over 9 pounds), which can make delivery risky for both mom and baby.
2. Low Blood Sugar After Birth (Neonatal Hypoglycemia):
   The baby’s body may produce too much insulin after birth, causing blood sugar to drop dangerously low.
3. Future Health Challenges:
   Babies exposed to high blood sugar in the womb are more likely to gain extra weight as children and may even develop type 2 diabetes.

Here’s an example: Think of your baby like a sponge that soaks up sugar through the placenta. If your blood sugar is too high, the baby soaks up extra, grows very fast, and faces more health issues after birth.

⇒Will It Happen Again?

If you’ve had gestational diabetes in one pregnancy, there’s a higher chance you’ll get it again in your next pregnancy. But you can lower this risk by staying active, eating healthy, and reaching a good pre-pregnancy weight.

⇒Long-Term Health – For You

Having GDM increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure later in life. Getting regular checkups after delivery is important to catch any health changes early.

Example: Laura had GDM and worked with her doctor after giving birth. She started eating smaller, low-sugar meals and walking daily with her baby in a stroller. At her two-year checkup, her blood sugar levels were normal!

Getting a gestational diabetes diagnosis can feel scary and stressful. Many women worry about their baby or feel frustrated by changes in their routine.

⇒Common Emotional Reactions

• Fear (“Will my baby be OK?”)
• Stress (“How do I follow this new diet?”)
• Guilt (“Did I cause this? Did I eat too much sugar?” – Spoiler alert! It’s not your fault; it’s due to pregnancy hormones.)

⇒Simple Ways to Feel Better

• Share Your Feelings: Talk to other moms with GDM in support groups or online communities.
• Use Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, yoga, or just talking to a friend can lower stress levels.
• Take It One Step at a Time: You don’t have to fix everything in one day. Small changes, like a 10-minute walk or swapping white bread for whole-grain, make a big difference.

The good news is, with a manageable plan, you can control your blood sugar and reduce complications.

⇒Eating Right

• Choose foods like whole grains, beans, lentils, and vegetables. These keep blood sugar steady.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones to prevent sugar spikes.
• Pair healthy carbs with protein or fat (for example, brown rice with grilled chicken).

Quick Tip: Skip sugary drinks like soda or juices and drink water instead.

⇒Move Your Body

• Exercise helps your cells use sugar better. Try 30 minutes of gentle activities like a walk, swim, or light yoga every day.

Example: After meals, Kate took 15-minute walks, which helped lower her blood sugar naturally.

⇒Medical Support

• Doctors might prescribe insulin or medication if needed.
• A glucose monitor helps you check your blood sugar at home. Many women find this reassuring!

Did you know the father’s health may also play a role? Factors like genetics or unhealthy lifestyle habits in dads could slightly increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

Example: John quit smoking and started eating healthier after learning his wife’s pregnancy might benefit. Small changes can make a difference for both parents!

Gestational diabetes doesn’t affect all women equally.

⇒Cultural Diets and Risks

Some traditional diets—like those that rely heavily on white rice, fried foods, or sweets—can make it harder to control blood sugar. Adjusting portion sizes or substituting high-fiber carbs can help.

⇒Healthcare Gaps

Access to care isn’t equal for everyone. Women in rural or low-income areas may struggle to get checkups or glucose monitors, but programs offering free tools or telemedicine are helping bridge these gaps.

Example: A rural health clinic provided shital with counseling and a blood sugar machine, helping her avoid complications.

Thanks to new tools, managing gestational diabetes is becoming easier!

• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM): Devices that track your blood sugar all day.

• Telemedicine: Online doctor appointments and expert advice at your convenience.
  
• Apps and AI Tools: Apps can remind you to eat, track your sugar levels, and suggest healthy meals.

1.Can gestational diabetes go away after birth?
Yes! For most women, GDM disappears after delivery. Follow-up tests will confirm your sugar levels are back to normal.

2.Can I deliver naturally with GDM?
Many women with gestational diabetes can deliver naturally. However, if your baby is too big, your doctor may suggest a C-section for safety.

3.What happens if blood sugar isn’t controlled?
Uncontrolled GDM can cause preeclampsia, preterm birth, or other complications for both you and the baby.

Gestational diabetes may make your pregnancy high-risk, but it’s also a manageable condition. With guidance from your doctor and healthy habits, most women have healthy pregnancies. Remember, you’re not alone in this!

Managing Gestational Diabetes? Get Expert Care!

Trust Dr. Supriya Puranik, Pune’s best high-risk pregnancy specialist, for safe and personalized care. Book your consultation today!

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.