What is a Gestational Diabetes? It is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. It usually begins between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Most often, gestational diabetes goes away after giving birth.

With a strong family history of diabetes, because my father has it, makes me feel afraid of having it too, especial during pregnancy. There is a big possibility of having it. Actually, one of my sisters is currently suffering from it. She had it during her first baby, and now on her second.

Having a gestational diabetes is not easy. It can be unhealthy for you and your baby. Your baby may have a low blood sugar level or jaundice, or your baby may weigh much more than is normal. The mother may have a more difficult delivery or may need a C-section. The mother needs to have a special diet, limited carbohydrates and sugar intake. Rice, bread, pasta, cakes, and pastries are a NO NO.

My sister has to prick her fingers three times a day to get blood samples for her daily blood sugar monitoring. The doctor even advised her to take insulin to control her sugar level. Kawawa naman si sister. I’m glad I did not suffer from it on my first pregnancy. I hope I won’t suffer from it on my second.

One of the most common risks for developing gestational diabetes is obesity with BMI greater than 29. Gaining so much weight during my first pregnancy, made me decide to start losing weight for my next. I should start as early as now to prevent having this type of diabetes. It is really harmful to the baby. It can only be treated by changing your meal plan, exercise, and insulin.

I just hope no mother will suffer from it too. So let’s start having a healthy living to prevent the chances of having this type of illness that both the mother and the baby might suffer.