What is Gestational Diabetes and How Can It Affect Your Birthing Journey?

As a woman gets prepared to become a mother, the journey is filled with joy, change, and countless questions. One common concern many mothers-to-be come across is gestational diabetes (GDM). It is a common condition that develops during pregnancy.

If you are a mother navigating gestational diabetes, remember that you are not alone. With the right guidance, most women can experience a healthy birthing.

So, what exactly is gestational diabetes? Let’s break it down.

What is it?
Gestational diabetes occurs when your body cannot utilise insulin effectively during pregnancy and as a result your blood sugar levels rise. During pregnancy, your placenta releases hormones that help your baby grow. Sometimes, these hormones make it harder for your body to manage sugar. Due to this imbalance, gestational diabetes can develop usually between 24 and 28 weeks.

Why Does It Happen?
Anyone can develop gestational diabetes, even with a healthy lifestyle. Some factors that increase the chances are as follows:

Being above the recommended BMI
First degree relative with diabetes
Previous baby of large for gestational age
Previous pregnancy with GDM
Previous unexplained stillbirth
PCOS

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect You and Your Baby?
With early detection and continuous monitoring, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies. However, if the blood sugar levels remain high, it may lead to a higher risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, chances of needing a C-section if the baby grows too big, or a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

For the baby, the effects range from a higher birth weight (more than 3.5–4 kg), low blood sugar after birth to higher chances of breathing difficulties, increased chances of childhood obesity or diabetes later in life.

How Is Gestational Diabetes Managed?
Managing GDM is possible with proper care. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your sugar levels at check:

Eating Well: Seek guidance from your nutritionist and follow a healthy meal plan tailored to your needs. Choose whole foods and avoid sugary and processed foods. It also helps to eat small, frequent meals.

Staying Active: Simple daily activities like a 30-minutes walk, prenatal yoga, and light exercises approved by your doctor can create a huge difference as movement helps your body in using the insulin better.

Monitoring Sugar Levels: Your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar at home. This helps them understand what works best for you. Sometimes, insulin or medication may be needed to help keep you and your baby safe.

How Can Gestational Diabetes Affect Your Post-birthing Journey?
After birth, gestational diabetes usually goes away. However, it is better to monitor your sugar levels at regular intervals. You may also be advised to take a follow-up glucose test at 6-12 weeks. Apart from this, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of future diabetes.

A Gentle Reminder
Gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support, you can manage it confidently.

At our diabetes clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary, mother-focused approach. Your care team will walk with you at every step, guiding you and ensuring the safest journey for you and your baby.

Our specialists review your medical history, assess your risks, and help you manage your blood sugar throughout pregnancy and after birth. With all specialist consultations available on the same day, you get a seamless, holistic, and stress-free experience.

If you have concerns or need personalised advice, reach out to our experts.

The Diabetes Clinic
Days: Every Wednesday
Time: 5.30 PM - 7.30 PM
Contact: +91 9110354164

A healthy pregnancy is always a shared journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Publication Date

05 January 2026