Library of Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes and pregnancy

Because of hormone and metabolic changes during pregnancy, some women with no previous history will develop diabetes during pregnancy. This is called gestational (ges-stay-shunul) diabetes. Prenatal screening by a physician will detect this condition. Usually, gestational diabetes will disappear after the birth of the baby.

Women who develop gestational diabetes rarely need to take insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Controlled diets and blood sugar monitoring is normally sufficient to control the condition. Mothers with gestational diabetes tend to have larger babies, more difficult births, a higher incidence of birth trauma, and may need a Cesarean section. 

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