Pregnancy is a time of joy, excitement, and change, but it also comes with new responsibilities, especially when it comes to your health. One condition you might hear about is Gestational Diabetes, a type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy.
At THT HMO, we’re here to walk with you through every stage of your journey. Understanding gestational diabetes can help you stay in control and ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar (glucose) levels become too high during pregnancy, even if you didn’t have diabetes before.
It usually happens in the second or third trimester and often goes away after the baby is born. But it’s important to manage it properly to avoid complications.
Good news: With the right care, most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Why Does It Happen?
During pregnancy, your body produces more hormones that can affect how insulin works. Insulin is the hormone that helps control blood sugar. In some women, these hormonal changes make it harder for the body to use insulin well, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, it just means your body needs some help during this time.
Who Is More Likely to Get It?
Some women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes due to certain risk factors:
- Being overweight or obese before pregnancy
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being over 25 or 35 years old, depending on ethnicity
- Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Having previously delivered a large baby (over 4kg)
- Having high blood pressure or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Belonging to ethnic groups with higher risk (e.g., African, South Asian, Middle Eastern)
Even without risk factors, gestational diabetes can still occur, which is why screening is part of routine antenatal care.
What Are the Symptoms?
Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why testing is so important. However, some women may notice:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Sugar in the urine (discovered during tests)
These symptoms can be easy to miss, so don’t skip your antenatal checkups and glucose screening tests.
Is It Dangerous?
Gestational diabetes can affect both mother and baby if not managed well. But with proper care, most women go on to deliver healthy babies.
Possible complications if not controlled include:
- High birth weight (macrosomia), which may lead to difficult delivery or cesarean section
- Preterm birth
- Low blood sugar in the baby after birth
- Breathing problems in the newborn
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life (for both mother and child)
Managing your blood sugar is the best way to avoid these problems.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed through a glucose tolerance test, which measures how your body handles sugar.
Your doctor may recommend:
- A glucose challenge test (GCT) – a quick screening
- If the result is high, a glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is done to confirm the diagnosis
These are usually done around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if you are high-risk.
How Can It Be Managed?
The good news is gestational diabetes can often be managed without medication, just by making healthy lifestyle changes. In some cases, medication or insulin may be needed.
Here’s what your care might include:
- ✅ Healthy Eating
- Eat balanced meals with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Eat smaller portions more often to keep blood sugar steady
- ✅ Regular Physical Activity
- Light to moderate exercise like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming (as advised by your doctor) helps control sugar levels
- ✅ Blood Sugar Monitoring
- Your doctor may recommend checking your blood sugar at home using a glucometer
- ✅ Medication (if needed)
- If diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe insulin or oral medications that are safe during pregnancy
Will It Go Away After Pregnancy?
In most cases, yes. Gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born.
But women who’ve had it have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. That’s why follow-up testing 6-12 weeks after delivery is important, along with healthy lifestyle habits long-term.
What Can You Do as an Expectant Mother?
You’re in control of your journey, and small steps can make a big difference:
- Go for all your antenatal appointments
- Follow your nutrition and activity plan
- Monitor your blood sugar if advised
- Take medications as prescribed
- Ask questions. Your care team is here for you
- Stay positive and celebrate your progress
When to Seek Help
Call your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Signs of very high blood sugar (extreme thirst, fatigue, blurred vision)
- Reduced baby movements
- Sudden weight gain or swelling
- Contractions or early signs of labor
Early care can prevent problems for both you and your baby.
You’re Not Alone - THT HMO Is Here for You
Gestational diabetes may sound scary at first, but with the right support and care, it can be managed successfully. Many women go through it and deliver strong, healthy babies and you can too.
At THT HMO, we offer personalized antenatal care, nutrition counseling, blood sugar monitoring, and access to diabetes specialists, so you’re never alone on this journey.
Your health and your baby’s well-being are our top priority, every step of the way.
