Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only affects pregnant women. This page of the eMedTV library discusses this condition in detail (including its effects on the baby) and explains that, for most women, it often goes away after pregnancy.
Common gestational diabetes symptoms include being very thirsty, frequent urination, and frequent infections. This eMedTV article discusses other signs and symptoms of this condition, including information on how they affect the mother and the baby.
Gestational diabetes testing is often a routine aspect of prenatal care. However, as this eMedTV resource explains, tests for this condition (which are also described) may be done at various points in the pregnancy, depending on your level of risk.
Women who have gestational diabetes use meal plans, physical activity, and (if necessary) insulin. This eMedTV resource offers suggestions for controlling gestational diabetes in order to keep blood sugar levels in a target range.
As this eMedTV article explains, a gestational diabetes diet is intended to keep blood glucose within a target range. This Web page provides general information and suggestions about following a healthy diet for women with this type of diabetes.
This eMedTV article provides a gestational diabetes sample menu for a woman who weighed between 130 and 135 pounds before becoming pregnant. These are guidelines only -- not every gestational diabetes sample menu is right for every woman.
