Pregnancy is a scary time for most mothers as it puts the body under a lot of strain and stress. This is why expectant moms need to see their doctor throughout their pregnancy as serious complications can occur at any time during the pregnancy. Pregnant women with low income can avail of the many programs available out there that can help them get proper medical and natal care. If you are pregnant, go have your pregnancy check ups on a regular basis to make sure that you avoid developing gestational diabetes. Although this condition disappears after giving birth, it can have serious effects on both you and your baby.

Of the three types of diabetes, this is the one that affects women, specifically pregnant ones. It can affect women who may not have a family history of diabetes or may not have diabetes. However, women who do have a family history of diabetes have a higher risk of developing this condition when they become pregnant. In addition, it can affect pregnant women who are over 25 years old and are overweight. Although it is still unknown why, it occurs more often in pregnant women who have an African American, Asian, Native American or Hispanic background.

Women who are already overweight and become pregnant will find it difficult to avoid developing gestational diabetes. This is also the case in women who do not exercise regularly, and who smoke and drink cigarettes a lot. Pregnant women should eat healthily, and stop smoking and drinking alcohol when they are pregnant. By doing so, they lower their risk of developing it.

Compared to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, this does not have symptoms that can be easily recognizable. In fact, the only way pregnant women can know if they have it is if they have blood screenings regularly throughout the pregnancy. These screenings involve overnight fasting and then drinking a sugary drink and have the blood tested. Two positive readings mean gestational diabetes is present.

It is a serious condition that can cause numerous other complications. For instance, it increases the risk of preemclampsia, or high blood pressure, which can be fatal for both the mother and her baby. This condition also puts the baby at risk for developing jaundice, severe breathing problems and diabetes. If left undetected and untreated, gestational diabetes can cause the baby to develop macrosomia (giant baby). This condition means that the baby is too big for normal delivery and thus, make it more likely for the mother and baby to suffer from injuries during birthing.