Gestational Diabetes

Managing gestational diabetes protects you and your baby

Gestational diabetes, also known as pregnancy diabetes or diabetes mellitus, is a type of diabetes that occurs for the first time during pregnancy. Up to 10% of women become diabetic between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The good news is that our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs help women manage this pregnancy complication, ensuring that mom and baby stay healthy.

Risk factors increase a woman’s chances of developing this pregnancy complication

When our team asks questions during the first prenatal visit, they are looking for things such as risk factors that might increase the risk for pregnancy diabetes. If a patient’s medical history indicates that she might have a higher risk of developing this pregnancy complication, our OB/GYNs will keep a close eye on her. They may also order screening tests earlier than the usual time, between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

Here are the risk factors we look for in a woman’s medical history.

  • Obesity or being overweight

  • Being inactive physically

  • Being age 35 or older

  • High blood pressure

  • History of PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome

  • History of pregnancy diabetes in past pregnancies

  • Family history of gestational diabetes

  • Having a previous birth where the baby’s weight was 9 lbs. or more

  • African-American, Native American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latina heritage

Many women who develop diabetes mellitus don’t have any risk factors.

Careful monitoring helps prevent complications that can affect mom and baby

Our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs screen women for gestational diabetes, or GD, between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. When patients have GD, they need to see our team more often. This helps us ensure that patients stay on track and avoid complications that can negatively affect both mom and baby.

Pregnancy diabetes can increase a woman’s risk of developing the following problems.

  • High blood pressure

  • Preeclampsia

  • Having a C-section

  • Future risk of developing Type II diabetes

GD can affect a woman’s pregnancy and her baby in the following ways.

  • Premature birth

  • Large babies, weighing 9 lbs. or more

  • Breathing issues for the baby

  • Right after the birth, the baby may have hypoglycemia or low blood glucose

Our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs provide expert care for gestational diabetes

Our experienced OB/GYNs know how to keep diabetic moms and their babies as healthy as possible. Patients with this pregnancy complication come to the office more often for prenatal visits, where our physicians monitor the mother’s health and the baby’s growth and development. Our team teaches moms to keep a log of their blood sugar levels. They also help patients make a healthy diet and exercise plan to keep things on track.

Women with gestational diabetes need the kind of compassionate expertise our team provides. Contact us to make an appointment.