Caring for Moms-to-Be with Gestational Diabetes on the Central Coast

You’ve always enjoyed good health and look forward to an anticipated pregnancy without complications. Though, as your body changes, you can develop certain unexpected maternal conditions, including gestational diabetes.

At Dignity Health Center Coast, your doctor will help you understand that gestational diabetes occurs for the first time during your pregnancy, causing high sugar levels. You and your baby’s well-being is our primary concern since this can directly affect you, your labor and delivery, and your baby’s health at birth.

Find a Doctor at Dignity Health Central Coast who is focused on your physical, mental, and spiritual needs throughout your pregnancy journey. Trust us to provide personal care for gestational diabetes throughout California’s Central Coast.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes Causes & Symptoms at Dignity Health Central Coast

Your body undergoes significant changes as you prepare for childbirth. Part of that increased demand comes in the form of insulin, a hormone that lowers your blood sugar levels. You can develop gestational diabetes if your body can’t produce enough insulin for you and your baby.

Your Dignity Health Central Coast health care providers can help determine your risk of gestational diabetes based on these factors:

• History of gestational diabetes
• Having a previous birth and your baby was more than 9 pounds
• Family history of gestational diabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• History of polycystic ovarian syndrome or prediabetes
• Hispanic, Native American, African American, Pacific Islander, or Asian American descent

If you are at increased risk, talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may have that cause you concern. Often, you will not notice any gestational diabetes symptoms. Routine prenatal screenings include a blood test to screen for this condition between week 24 and 28 of your pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes Treatment for a Healthy Mom & Baby

 As an expectant mother it’s important to stay active and eat a healthy diet. These steps can help you manage gestational diabetes, too. Your Dignity Health Central Coast health team can help you develop a gestational diabetes diet for you and your baby’s well-being. Medications, taken by mouth and injection, also help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

The good news is that gestational diabetes goes away after the birth of your baby. To reduce your risk of diabetes later in life, maintain a healthy weight and stay active for a long, happy life.

If you are expecting a baby, see one of our experts to learn how to safeguard you and your baby’s health and well-being.