A to Z: Gestational Diabetes

May also be called: Diabetes of Pregnancy

Gestational (jeh-STAY-shun-ul) diabetes is a kind of diabetes that happens to pregnant women. Most of the time, it goes away after the mom has her baby.

More to Know

Women often find out they have gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of a pregnancy. Doctors suspect a woman might have it when she has high levels of sugar in her blood or urine during pregnancy. 

Diabetes can cause problems for both babies and moms. Most of the time, women can control gestational diabetes with a healthy food plan and daily exercise. Some women also need to take daily insulin shots and test their blood sugar for the rest of their pregnancy.

Keep in Mind

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after a baby is born. Some women will have it again during future pregnancies. Some women who have gestational diabetes will get diabetes when they're older.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.