It is not uncommon for pregnant women to suffer from
gestational diabetes. In fact, it affects two to four percent of all
pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing
diabetes for both mother and child. Gestational diabetes is
a high-blood sugar condition first found in pregnancy. It is
caused when your body cannot produce enough insulin, or
even process insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by t
he pancreas that allows your cells to turn sugar into
energy.

How will gestational diabetes affect my pregnancy?
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can definitely affect
your baby. He could develop a condition called macrosomia,
where he would grow very large, possibly resulting
in the need for a cesarean section. He could also develop
neonatal hypoglycemia, prolonged newborn jaundice, low
blood calcium, or respiratory distress syndrome.

Am I at risk of having gestational diabetes?
Women who already suffer from diabetes are more likely
to develop gestational diabetes, as well as women who
are obese. Other factors include:

* A family history of diabetes
* Older maternal age
* Previous delivery of a baby over 9 pounds
* High blood pressure

There are not really many noticeable symptoms related to
gestational diabetes, but your health care provider will test
for it around week 24 of your pregnancy.

How is it treated?
The easiest way to control gestational diabetes is to control
your glucose intake. Your doctor will most likely suggest
that you follow the nutritional guidelines of the American
Diabetes Association. This will basically limit your intake of
sugars and fats your body gets while eating the right foods
to ensure that you receive all of the other nutrients that you
will need to have a healthy pregnancy.

About the Author

Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net. Pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to find support and valuable information. Please visit Pregnancy-Guide at http://www.pregnancy-guide.net