What Is Gestational Diabetes?

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel like the elephant in the room — daunting at first — but there is ample room for a continued healthy pregnancy and a safe, positive delivery for you and your sweet baby. With knowledge, monitoring, and a personalized care plan, most people manage pregnancy diabetes successfully and go on to have empowering birth experiences.

At Haven, we are here to help you with the educational, nutritional, emotional, and mental guidance to navigate this! Below, we explore the causes, testing, effects on pregnancy and labor, and practical management strategies you can use if diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (GD) — also called pregnancy diabetes — is elevated blood glucose first recognized during pregnancy. It occurs when pregnancy-related hormones make it harder for insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. That can cause higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that need monitoring and management to keep both parent and baby healthy.

Types of Gestational Diabetes Testing

• One-step (75-gram oral glucose tolerance test): After fasting, you drink a glucose solution (which can appear in a few forms, either a Glucola drink, grape juice, or alternatives such as The Fresh Test) and have blood drawn at fasting, 1 hour, and 2 hours. Abnormal values at any of these points can indicate GD.

• Two-step (screen + diagnostic): First, a 50-gram glucose challenge test (non-fasting) with a 1-hour blood draw. If results are elevated, a follow-up 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test (fasting) with measurements at fasting, 1, 2, and 3 hours is performed.

• Early screening: People with high-risk factors may be tested at the first prenatal visit and again in the second trimester if initial results are normal.

How Can You Get Gestational Diabetes?

GD arises from a combination of hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors:

• Pregnancy hormones (from the placenta) increase insulin resistance, especially in the second and third trimesters.

• Pre-pregnancy insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance raises risk.

• Additional risk factors include: prior gestational diabetes, family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity or high BMI, age over 25–35 (risk increases with age), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), prior birth of a large baby (macrosomia), and certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American).

While risk factors raise likelihood, many people with GD have few or no apparent risks — hence routine screening.

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect My Pregnancy and Labor?

With attentive, personalized care, most people with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and positive birth experiences. Managing blood glucose reduces the chance of complications. 

In some cases, possible effects of gestational diabetes can include: 

• a larger-than-average baby (which may influence delivery planning)

• higher risk of preeclampsia

• a slightly increased likelihood of needing induction or cesarean delivery

Babies born to a birthing parent with GD may also have low blood sugar shortly after birth or require glucose monitoring, but these issues are typically temporary and treatable. 

Close monitoring, tailored glucose targets, nutritional guidance, and supportive birth planning help keep risks low and support your chosen birth setting and preferences.

How to Treat Gestational Diabetes

Effective treatment is individualized and focuses on keeping blood glucose within target ranges through lifestyle measures and, when needed, medication. Care plans are created collaboratively with your care team and adjusted through pregnancy.

Nutrition

• Aim for balanced, nutritional meals spaced evenly through the day to avoid glucose spikes and dips.

• Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables.

• Choose low-glycemic carbohydrates and portion carbohydrates to meet individualized goals.

• Work with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator experienced in pregnancy to make a sustainable meal plan that supports fetal growth and maternal health.

Exercise

• Regular moderate activity (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, stationary cycling) helps lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Aim for about 20–30 minutes most days unless contraindicated; follow your provider’s guidance.

• Include gentle strength and flexibility work as appropriate for pregnancy to support comfortable movement and labor readiness.

Medication

• If diet and exercise don’t maintain glucose targets, insulin is the standard and effective treatment in pregnancy. It does not cross the placenta and is safe when prescribed and monitored.

• Some providers may use certain oral medications in selected cases; this is individualized.

• Medication type, dose, and timing are adjusted based on home glucose monitoring and prenatal visits.

Can I Still Labor at a Birthing Center with Gestational Diabetes?

Yes — many people with well-managed gestational diabetes are excellent candidates for birth at a birthing center. Eligibility depends on individualized risk assessment, glucose control, and absence of other medical or obstetric complications. A supportive care team will review your glucose records, pregnancy progress, and any additional factors to ensure a safe plan that honors your birth preferences. 

If higher-level monitoring or interventions become necessary, a collaborative transfer plan to a hospital is part of responsible, positive birth planning.

Navigating Pregnancy and Beyond at Haven Women's Health and Birth Center

At Haven Women’s Health and Birth Center, we create individualized care plans that honor your medical needs and personal birth preferences. Our team supports blood glucose management, prenatal education, and birth planning so you can pursue a confident, positive birth experience. We invite you to tour our facility and meet our team to learn how Haven personalizes every pregnancy to your health and goals. 

Schedule a tour or contact us to get started!

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FAQs

When is gestational diabetes usually tested?  

Routine testing commonly occurs between 24–28 weeks; earlier testing may be done if you have high-risk factors.

What are common gestational diabetes symptoms?  

Often GD has no clear symptoms; some people notice increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, but screening is essential because symptoms may be mild or absent.

Will gestational diabetes affect my baby long-term? 

With good glucose control, long-term risks to the baby are low. People with GD and their children have a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so postpartum follow-up and healthy habits are encouraged.

How will my blood sugar be monitored during pregnancy? 

Most people use home blood glucose monitoring multiple times daily (fasting and post-meal checks) and review results with their care team at prenatal visits.

Can I breastfeed if I had gestational diabetes? 

Yes. Breastfeeding is encouraged; it supports newborn glucose regulation and can lower the parent’s longer-term diabetes risk.

Do I need medication right away if diagnosed?

Not always. Many people manage GD with nutrition and activity. Medication is added if glucose targets aren’t met through lifestyle changes.

When should I be re-tested after delivery?  

A 6–12 week postpartum glucose test (often a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test) is recommended to confirm blood sugar has returned to normal and to guide future health plans.