Gestational diabetes: what expecting mothers should know
April 16, 2026By: Melissa Zalonis
Categories: Gynecology, Live Healthy, Maternity
Pregnancy comes with a lot of new information, tests and appointments. One condition some women learn about during pregnancy is gestational diabetes.
While hearing that diagnosis can feel overwhelming, the good news is that it can usually be managed with the right care and healthy habits.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body either cannot make enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose).
Each year, about 6% to 9% of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An important distinction between gestational diabetes and other types of diabetes is that it is diagnosed in women who did not have diabetes before becoming pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening during pregnancy is important. Although blood sugar levels usually return to normal after delivery, gestational diabetes can increase a woman’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
What causes it?
You might wonder why gestational diabetes develops in the first place. Well, doctors don’t always know exactly why gestational diabetes develops, but according to Mayo Clinic, several factors can increase the risk, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Age 35 or older
- Being overweight or obese
- A current diagnosis of prediabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Not being physically active
For most women, gestational diabetes goes away within a few weeks after delivery. However, it is possible to enter pregnancy with undiagnosed diabetes, which makes follow-up care after pregnancy important.
How to diagnose gestational diabetes
Because gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, screening during pregnancy is especially important, and should be a routine part of your care. Most women are screened between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
One common method is the oral glucose tolerance test. This test measures your blood sugar after fasting and then drinking a sweet beverage that contains glucose. In some cases, your doctor may first order a glucose challenge test, which does not require fasting.
Healthy pregnancy tips
If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, learning how to manage it can make a big difference for both you and your baby. With the right support and guidance, many people go on to have healthy, smooth pregnancies.
According to the ADA, focusing on nourishing foods, staying active in ways that feel good for your body and keeping an eye on your blood sugar can help you feel more confident and in control. A few helpful tips include:
- Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity five days a week.
- Don’t skip meals and start the day with a balanced breakfast.
- Manage carbohydrate intake.
- Monitor blood sugar levels as recommended by your care team.
If you have questions or concerns about gestational diabetes, talk with your primary care provider, OB-GYN or a certified diabetes educator. They can answer your questions, help you manage blood sugar levels and support you through a healthy pregnancy.
