Gestational Diabetes-Exams and Tests
Gestational Diabetes-Exams and Tests
Gestational Diabetes Guide
During labor and delivery, you and your baby will be monitored very closely.
After your baby is born, your blood sugar level will be checked several times. Your baby's blood sugar level will also be checked several times within the first few hours after birth.
Even though your gestational diabetes will probably go away after your baby is born, you are at risk for gestational diabetes again and for type 2 diabetes later in life.
You may have a follow-up glucose tolerance test 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born or after you stop breast-feeding your baby. If the results of this test are normal, experts recommend you get tested for type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years. Even if your sugar level is normal, you are at increased risk of developing diabetes in the future. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you want to get pregnant again, it is a good idea to be tested for diabetes both before you become pregnant and early in your pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes - Exams and Tests
Gestational Diabetes Guide
- Topic Overview
- Health Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Tests during labor and delivery
During labor and delivery, you and your baby will be monitored very closely.
- Fetal heart monitoring is used to see how well your baby is doing while you are in labor.
- Blood sugar tests are done regularly to make sure your blood sugar level is within a target range.
Tests after delivery
After your baby is born, your blood sugar level will be checked several times. Your baby's blood sugar level will also be checked several times within the first few hours after birth.
Follow-up
Even though your gestational diabetes will probably go away after your baby is born, you are at risk for gestational diabetes again and for type 2 diabetes later in life.
You may have a follow-up glucose tolerance test 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born or after you stop breast-feeding your baby. If the results of this test are normal, experts recommend you get tested for type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years. Even if your sugar level is normal, you are at increased risk of developing diabetes in the future. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you want to get pregnant again, it is a good idea to be tested for diabetes both before you become pregnant and early in your pregnancy.
Source...