After Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes

Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You’re also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy. But you can take steps to reduce these risks.

Taking Care of Yourself

 

Even if your blood sugar goes back to normal, you still need to take care of yourself. This will help prevent diabetes later in life.

Keep your weight down. Eating food that is low in fat and sugar can help you control your weight. If you’re overweight, your risk of getting diabetes in 10 to 15 years more than doubles. Keeping your weight down also reduces your risk of having gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
Get regular exercise. Exercise helps lower your blood sugar. It can also help you control your weight.
Have your blood sugar checked. Make an appointment to have your blood sugar checked about 6 to 8 weeks after delivery.
Have regular diabetes screenings. Get checked every year, or as often as your healthcare provider advises.
Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Breastfeeding may also help lower your blood sugar. Your healthcare provider can show you how to breastfeed. Be sure to eat a good diet and drink extra fluids while you’re breastfeeding.

Planning Future Pregnancies

You need to be sure your blood sugar is back to normal before you get pregnant again. Have your blood sugar checked before you plan your next pregnancy. And remember that it’s possible to get pregnant again soon after delivery. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best method of birth control for you and your partner.

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Pregnancy After Age 35

It’s a myth that being 35 or older means your pregnancy will be high risk. Making the right choices now and working with your health care provider can help your pregnancy be trouble-free.

Things to Think About

Most women who are 35 or older have normal pregnancies, but there are some special things you need to think about before becoming pregnant. Once a woman reaches 35, she has a greater chance of the following:

Having fertility problems
Having a miscarriage or fetal loss in the second or third trimester
Developing diabetes or high blood pressure while pregnant
Being constantly tired when pregnant
Giving birth by cesarean section (surgery needed to deliver a baby)
Having babies with genetic problems such as Down syndrome
Having multiple births
Making the Right Choices

Before and after you become pregnant:

Don’t use recreational drugs.
Don’t drink alcohol.
Don’t smoke.
Keeping You and Your Baby Healthy

Before and during your pregnancy:

Take a daily vitamin supplement that contains folic acid and iron.
Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Stay physically active.
Keep a healthy weight.

You may need extra care if you have any of the following:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Other chronic health problems
Special Health Care

Fertility counseling. As we age, becoming pregnant can be difficult. Ask your health care provider how long you should try to get pregnant before seeking help from a specialist.

Genetic counseling. Genetic counseling studies the risk of birth defects in your baby. You will be asked detailed questions about your family health history and may also have medical tests.

Amniocentesis. This test studies amniotic fluid (liquid that surrounds the fetus in the womb). Amniocentesis can help diagnose birth defects and other medical problems.