Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy: Risks & What to Expect

Question
Hello,

I am 25 years-old. I am carrying my first child on 31th week. My urine test is positive with gluco. 3 weeks a go, it is still negative with gluco. My doctor asked me to have a blood test to be sure that if I am positive with diabetes or not. I would like to know which risk my baby and I, we have to run in the case that I contract the diabetes.

Thank you very much


Answer
Gestational diabetes is a disease of pregnancy and usually disappears as soon as the baby is born.  If you have diabetes during pregnancy, you have to keep your glucose within normal limits or the baby can be a stillbirth or become macrosomic (over 10lbs) and you may need a cesarean section for the delivery. We test for diabetes by performing a 1 hour glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks gestation. If it is over 140, we then send you for a 3 hour glucose tolerance test. If two values are abnormal, you will be put on a special diet or you may need insulin therapy during the pregnancy and may have to see an endocrinologist.