Gestational diabetes: pregnant women hear the word and curse under their breath. No one wants it but there’s not much you can do about it during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes affects how your cells process sugar which can cause complications during your pregnancy. Although causes aren’t certain, the placenta’s hormones raise hormones in your body which can impair the job of the insulin in your body. Insulin keeps your blood sugars normal and with impaired insulin, your blood sugars may rise. This can cause excessive birth weight for baby, high blood pressure and preeclampsia and low blood sugar in baby.

Around week 24 your doctor will give you a glucose drink that you will ingest for a blood test between 24-28 weeks. This test will look at your blood glucose level. If your levels are too high, the doctor will have you come back for a three hour test.

The biggest complaint about these tests are that the drink is yucky! Although yes, it can be yucky as it is very sweet and thick, putting the drink in the fridge overnight and drinking it quickly can take the edge off. Also drinking a large glass of water after can take the taste out of your mouth. It’s also a good idea to bring a book during the testing. Depending on the testing, you could be in the office for a while which can put a wrench in your day. Keep yourself busy and try to keep your mind off of it. The testing will be over soon and you can make a game plan with your care provider!

If you do have gestational diabetes, your doctor will have you check you check your blood sugar levels during the day as well as make some diet changes. They will do more urine tests to keep an eye on baby and you will probably be seen a few more times by your doctor.

Gestation diabetes can be frustrating and it’s important to remember that it’s another variation of normal. By keeping track of your bodies needs during pregnancy, your care provider will be able to help you keep your baby safe and have a healthy and happy delivery!