Gestational diabetes is almost always complicated. It’s an emotional time. The mom-to-be is worried about the baby in so many ways. Now, there is one more worry to consider. However, when gestational diabetes proves difficult to manage, it presents new challenges that must be dealt with as quickly as possible for the health of the baby and the mother.

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure for the mother. It also increases the risk of preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication that can threaten the lives of the mother and the baby. Even without complications, gestational diabetes increases the risk of needing a cesarian delivery. For the baby, the risks are even greater. There is a greater risk for pre-term birth, hypoglycemia after birth (low blood sugar), stillbirth, and major breathing difficulties caused by respiratory distress syndrome.

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes experience a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. In other words, gestational diabetes is always complicated. There are things you can do to minimize risks to you and your baby, though, including the following.

• Follow the plan your physician prescribed for managing your diabetes.
• Do not gain more than the recommended amount of weight during your pregnancy.
• Stay active throughout your pregnancy.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Take required medications and/or insulin.

There is no such thing as a risk-free pregnancy, but every step you can take to minimize the risks associated with gestational diabetes, the lower your risk of developing some of the more serious complications.