Gestational (“jes-TAY-shon-al”) diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. When you have diabetes, there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood.
If you develop gestational diabetes, it can lead to health problems for you and your baby during and after pregnancy. For example:
Usually there are no symptoms (signs) of gestational diabetes. That’s why it’s important for all pregnant women to get tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
If you have gestational diabetes, you and your doctor or midwife can work together to protect your health
and the health of your baby.
Testing for gestational diabetes is covered under the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance
plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you.
Visiting the doctor can be stressful. It helps to have questions written down before your appointment.
Print this list of questions, and take it with you the next time you visit your doctor or midwife.
For more information about gestational diabetes, visit: