Gestational Diabetes is a state of elevated blood sugar levels that is sometimes occurs during pregnancy. This is typically a temporary state of diabetes; although 50% of woman who develop gestational diabetes may go on to develop diabetes up to 25 years after their pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, your body will make more blood sugar to nourish your rapidly growing baby. If you develop gestational diabetes, your body does not produce adequate amounts of insulin to break down and use the excess blood sugar. The high levels of hormones during pregnancy also make it difficult for your body to use the insulin you produce.

High levels of blood sugar may harm both you and your baby. Early detection and treatment are the keys to preventing harm. Keeping your regular prenatal appointments will help your medical team diagnose gestational diabetes, if it occurs, and monitor you closely. Your provider will order a glucose-screening test between your 22nd and 28th week of pregnancy. If your blood glucose level is elevated, further tests will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Most often, gestational diabetes is well controlled by following a diet prescribed by your provider and dietician. They will monitor your blood sugar levels frequently and adjust your diet as needed to provide you and your baby adequate nutrition, but keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits.

Please make sure that you keep all of your scheduled appointments and follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

Preeclampsia is sometimes known as pregnancy-induced hypertension or toxemia, and involves a form of high blood pressure. This condition is characterized by swelling of a woman's hands and face and a sudden weight gain due to water retention, high blood pressure and protein in her urine. Preeclampsia can progress very quickly to a severe stage, where the symptoms include a further increase in blood pressure, blurred vision, headaches, severe stomach pain, and a variety of other symptoms. If preeclampsia is not treated, it can lead to permanent damage to both the mother and her baby. Fortunately, women who are receiving regular prenatal care are usually diagnosed and treated early.

Eclampsia is the final stage of preeclampsia or toxemia and is characterized by convulsions and/or a coma. This is a very rare condition, especially for a woman who is receiving regular medical care because the problem can be identified early and dealt with before it gets to this stage. Ask your provider for further information about this condition.