What+I+need+to+know+about+Gestational+Diabetes

What I need to know about Gestational Diabetes

"What I need to know about Gestational Diabetes." //NDIC//. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, Apr. 2006. Web. 18 Aug. 2010. [].
 * "Gestational (jes-TAY-shun-ul) diabetes is diabetes that is found for the first time when a woman is pregnant. Out of every 100 pregnant women in the United States, three to eight get gestational diabetes. Diabetes means that your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. But too much glucose in your blood can be harmful. When you are pregnant, too much glucose is not good for your baby.” Pg.1
 * (Cause) “Changing hormones and weight gain are part of a healthy pregnancy. But both changes make it hard for your body to keep up with its need for a hormone called insulin. When that happens, your body doesn't get the energy it needs from the food you eat.” Pg.1
 * (affects on baby) “Untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can mean problems for your baby, such as: being born very large and with extra fat; this can make delivery difficult and more dangerous for your baby, low blood glucose right after birth, breathing problems.” Pg.1
 * “If you have gestational diabetes, your health care team may recommend some extra tests to check on your baby, such as: an ultrasound exam, to see how your baby is growing, "kick counts" to check your baby's activity (the time between the baby's movements) or special "stress" tests.” Pg.1
 * “Working closely with your health care team will help you give birth to a healthy baby.” Pg.1
 * “Both you and your baby are at increased [|risk for type 2 diabetes] for the rest of your lives.” Pg.1
 * (affects on mother) “Often, women with gestational diabetes have no symptoms. However, gestational diabetes may increase your risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy or increase your risk of a large baby and the need for cesarean section at delivery.” Pg.1
 * “The good news is your gestational diabetes will probably go away after your baby is born. However, you will be more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in your life. (See the information on [|how to lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes] .) You may also get gestational diabetes again if you get pregnant again.” Pg.1
 * “Some women wonder whether breastfeeding is OK after they have had gestational diabetes. Breastfeeding is recommended for most babies, including those whose mothers had gestational diabetes.” Pg. 1
 * “Gestational diabetes is serious, even if you have no symptoms. Taking care of yourself helps keep your baby healthy.” Pg. 1
 * “Treating gestational diabetes means taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels in a target range. You will learn how to control your blood glucose using a meal plan, physical activity, or insulin (if needed)” Pg. 1
 * “Treating gestational diabetes means taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels in a target range. You will learn how to control your blood glucose using a meal plan, physical activity, or insulin (if needed)” Pg. 1