Gestational diabetes is diabetes that happens only during pregnancy. Normally, as food is digested, it turns into sugar (glucose) that goes into your bloodstream. Your body makes a substance called insulin that helps your cells use this blood sugar for energy. Changes that occur in your body during pregnancy may cause your blood sugar to be too high. This can be risky for both you and your baby. You can take steps to control your blood sugar and reduce these risks.

BellaNova Obstetrician and gynecologist, Ben Wood, DO, explains why gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, and what women can do to control it.

“Gestational Diabetes typically occurs in the latter half of the second trimester or early third trimester. During pregnancy, patients have insulin resistance, so their own insulin isn’t working effectively,” said Dr. Wood.

“They can stay active during their pregnancy. We want out patients to stay physically fit. We want them to focus on diet and meal planning – avoiding simple carbohydrates, move more towards complex carbohydrates. We don’t want them to avoid all carbohydrates in general. We want them to have a balanced diet.”

Managing gestational diabetes means controlling your blood sugar while you are pregnant. Your healthcare team will help you put together a plan to do this. This plan will include:

Eating right. Eating the right foods is the main way to control your blood sugar. You need to eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups each day. To help you with the changes that may be needed in your diet, you will likely work with a registered dietitian. This is an expert on food and nutrition. The dietitian can help you understand how specific foods affect your blood sugar. He or she can also teach you the skills you need to plan healthy, balanced meals.

Getting exercise. Your body uses more blood sugar when you exercise. Your healthcare team can decide on the best kind of exercise for you, and the best times for you to exercise.

Checking your blood sugar. You will most likely check your blood sugar at home two or more times a day. Your healthcare team will teach you how to do this. They will also discuss your blood sugar goals with you. Your blood sugar may also be tested every week or so in the lab. If your blood sugar remains too high you may need to take insulin shots during your pregnancy.

To learn more about preventing or treating gestational diabetes contact a BellaNova Women's Health provider at (269) 429-8010.