Preventing Gestational Diabetes

In 3 to 8 percent of pregnancies women develop gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs due to high blood glucose levels and it is best to prevent gestational diabetes or control it very strictly to protect your health and your baby's health as well.

In many cases gestational diabetes will go away after giving birth but the mother and baby will have a higher chance of developing diabetes later on.

Other risks of gestational diabetes can be premature birth, hypertension, infections and other delivery problems.

You are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes if you have one of the following:

- Have given birth before
- Have had a previous stillbirth
- Have given birth to a baby over 9 pounds
- Have gained a large amount of weight during pregnancy
- Have had high blood sugar levels before
- Had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy
- Have a family member who also had gestational diabetes
- Are Hispanic, African American or Native American which are ethnic groups at higher risk

Preventing Gestational Diabetes

In order to prevent gestational diabetes it is important that you get frequent check up during your pregnancy and blood work as well.

If you do develop gestational diabetes it is very important that you take the proper steps for controlling gestational diabetes such as a diet and other health tips to follow as well.

If you spot gestational diabetes early on and most importantly follow a strict gestational diabetes diet than you can protect your health and your babies health as well during and after pregnancy.