Gestational diabetes involves high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It can lead to serious complications, especially if left untreated. If you have gestational diabetes, you may need extra monitoring and medication.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gestational diabetes occurs in 5% to 9% of pregnancies in the United States each year. This condition, which causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia, especially if you don’t receive treatment for it.

In many cases, it’s possible to manage gestational diabetes by monitoring your blood sugar levels, making changes to your diet, and exercising regularly. But you might also need insulin medication.

A high risk pregnancy is one that puts your health or your baby’s health at greater risk than usual. A pregnancy can be high risk from the start, or it can become high risk later on. High risk pregnancies often require additional monitoring and care.

Generally, your doctor or other healthcare professional will determine whether your pregnancy is high risk. Gestational diabetes is one possible reason your pregnancy could be considered high risk.

Working with a healthcare professional can help you manage your blood sugar levels, which is very important since having gestational diabetes may increase the risk of serious complications for both you and your baby.

Gestational diabetes can complicate your pregnancy and delivery.

This condition increases your risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia. You may also develop polyhydramnios, which means that too much amniotic fluid is surrounding your baby in the womb.

Additionally, gestational diabetes can increase your chances of having a cesarean delivery, premature labor, or both, especially if your blood sugar levels remain high or are not effectively managed. In rare cases, the pregnancy may end in stillbirth.

If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may grow larger than typically expected. This can contribute to the need for an induction or a cesarean delivery. It can also result in birth trauma for your baby, including shoulder injury during a vaginal birth.

Your baby might have low blood sugar at birth and will have a greater risk of experiencing breathing difficulties and jaundice.

The hormone and weight changes that occur during pregnancy mean that your body needs to produce more insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels. If your body does not produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range, you may develop gestational diabetes.

In many cases, gestational diabetes can be managed through diet and exercise. But if lifestyle strategies don’t help lower your blood sugar levels, medication may be necessary.

A healthcare professional will check your blood sugar levels 4 to 12 weeks after you give birth. If your blood sugar has returned to a healthy range, you should continue to be tested every 1 to 3 years. You may not need any other treatment.

Before becoming pregnant, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes by maintaining a moderate weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.

Once you become pregnant, consult your doctor before making any major dietary changes, and do not start a weight loss-oriented diet unless your doctor recommends it. For your baby’s health, it’s typically important to gain weight during pregnancy.

Complications from gestational diabetes may continue after pregnancy. About 50% of people who have gestational diabetes will later develop type 2 diabetes.

After having gestational diabetes during one pregnancy, you will have an increased risk of developing the condition again in future pregnancies. Your child will also have an increased risk for diabetes and obesity.

How harmful is gestational diabetes to the baby?

Babies born to a birthing parent with gestational diabetes may have low blood sugar after delivery. They may also have jaundice or have trouble breathing.

Should I be worried about gestational diabetes?

It’s important to take gestational diabetes seriously since it can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia. However, with proper monitoring and treatment, many people with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

What is the risk level for gestational diabetes?

The risk level from gestational diabetes can depend on how well your blood sugar levels are managed. If you have specific questions about possible risks from your gestational diabetes or any other health conditions you have, it’s important to talk with your doctor, who can factor your overall health into your risk assessments.

If you have gestational diabetes, you and your baby are at a greater risk for complications. Because of the related risks, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, it’s important to get tested for gestational diabetes 24 to 28 weeks into your pregnancy.

If you have specific risk factors, such as a diagnosis of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, you will likely be screened earlier in your pregnancy — at or around 20 weeks’ gestation.

It’s often possible to manage gestational diabetes through diet and exercise. In some cases, medications and extra monitoring may be necessary. It’s important to talk with your doctor or another healthcare professional about any health concerns you have during your pregnancy.