What is Gestational Diabetes?

Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. According the the American Diabetes Association, "Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia."

How can Gestational Diabetes affect the birthing parent?

You may have a higher risk of cesarean birth and higher risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure).

How can GD affect my baby?

Baby may be born at a high birth weight, have jaundice, be born prematurely, have trouble breathing, and is more at risk of obesity as a child and for type 2 diabetes as an adult. 

When will I be tested?

A routine screening for gestational diabetes usually takes place between 24 and 28 weeks.

What can I expect from the test?

Your OBGYN or Midwife will give you 5 minutes to drink Glucola-- a sugary, syrupy, liquid. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar levels. If your body poorly reacts to the glucose drink, you are at higher risk of GD.

Why a second test?

If the first test shows elevated blood sugar levels, you'll need a glucose tolerance test. Don't be alarmed, you won't know if you actually have GD until you complete this more extensive test. After a period of fasting, you'll drink another sugary drink (with a higher concentration of glucose). After that, your blood will be tested every hour for three hours. If two of the three readings have elevated sugar levels, you will be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. 

What are some alternative testing methods?

Some parents opt out of drinking Glucola because of it's ingredients, potential side effects, or because of it's inaccuracy. Alternatives include: eating 28 jelly beans (yes, seriously!), eating a candy bar, randomly testing your blood sugar, or consistently checking your blood sugar over the course of a few days.

I have been diagnosed with GD. Now what?

You are not alone! Up to 9% of birthing parents will develop diabetes. Now more than ever, it's important to maintain a healthy diet. You might choose to work with a dietitian to plan meals that keep your blood sugar under control. Exercising daily and keeping all your prenatal appointments is crucial to controlling your gestational diabetes.

Are there long term side effects for the birthing parent?

The good news is, after you have your baby, your blood sugar level will usually return to normal. The bad news is, you will have a higher risk of developing GD again in any subsequent pregnancies and are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in your lifetime.

Your labor doula is easily accessible and is happy to discuss routine prenatal testing with you! Call or text (814) 315-2525 or email at nwpadoulas@gmail.com.

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