Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Change Package

Your healthcare provider will give you a test when you are 5 to 6 months pregnant to see if you have gestational diabetes. If you’re at higher risk for getting gestational diabetes, you may get the test even earlier. It is important to find out if you have gestational diabetes because it can cause your baby to get too big, have breathing problems, low blood sugar, or birth defects. It might even mean that you will have your baby earlier than you are supposed to.

There are things that you can do to stay healthy while you are pregnant and to keep your baby healthy. Eating foods that are good for you and working out will help. You should also test your blood sugar regularly. You can do it at home and it only takes a minute, but it is important because your blood sugar can tell you if you are eating right and how your body is responding to GDM. If your blood sugar is still too high, your healthcare provider might give you insulin or pills to help keep your blood sugar low. Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. But did you know that a lot of moms who get gestational diabetes will also get Type 2 Diabetes after pregnancy? 

Please ask your healthcare provider about getting tested for Type 2 Diabetes and what you can do to lower your risk.

Breastfeeding After GDM - Benefits For You And Your Baby

Breastfeeding your baby is good for you and for your baby. Breastfeeding can help you to lose weight after you have your baby and keep your blood sugar low. It can also keep your baby healthy in a lot of ways, and lowering their risk for:

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Getting sick, such as getting a cold or fever
• Stomach or breathing problems
• Being overweight
• Getting Type 2 Diabetes

While breastfeeding is recommended, it is most important that your baby is healthy. If you have problems breastfeeding, please talk to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant to find out the best way to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. 

Losing "baby" weight can be hard now that you have a new baby to take care of, but it helps you in the long run. If you think that you want to have another baby, it can also keep you healthier for a better pregnancy next time.