You may have gestational diabetes if you have high blood sugar during pregnancy.
About seven out of every 100 pregnant women in the United States get gestational diabetes. This condition usually goes away after pregnancy. However, gestational diabetes is a risk factor for developing diabetes later in life. Excessive blood glucose can also be harmful to the unborn child.With gestational diabetes, the woman may have no symptoms or the symptoms may be mild.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
With gestational diabetes, you may have no symptoms or the symptoms may be mild. These may include:
- Blurry vision
- Frequent bladder, skin or vaginal infections
- Fatigue
- Frequent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
If you do not have diabetes before you get pregnant, your Ohio State obstetrician will most likely check your blood sugar in the second trimester. This test may be done sooner, if you are at risk for developing diabetes.
If you already have diabetes before you get pregnant, your doctor will help you develop a plan to monitor you blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy and postpartum.
You can help lower your risk of diabetes and ensure better health for you and your newborn by working with your Ohio State doctors, taking medications as directed, eating well, exercising and getting quality sleep and rest.
Learn more about Diabetes in Pregnancy Care at Ohio State.