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If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes in pregnancy the chances are very high you will also get the disease in future pregnancies. There have been cases where this hasn

After your baby is born it is going to be a relief to not have to take insulin injections anymore or to watch every single thing you put in your mouth. But not so fast, you still need to be careful and mindful of the increased risks that you now face as a mom who has had gestational diabetes. Even though your health choices do not directly affect your baby as they did when you were pregnant (unless you are nursing), your health is still just as important to take care of for the sake of your baby.The biggest risk for moms who have had gestational diabetes is a significantly increased chance of contracting type 2 diabetes down the road. It is highly advisable to have a blood screening done six months after the birth of your baby to ensure glucose levels are still being managed properly and that the pancreas is producing enough insulin. After the initial six month screening, an annual test should be conducting to watch for diabetes or a condition known as pre-diabetes.Women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy should consult with their doctor prior to becoming pregnant again. A blood test can be ordered to ensure blood glucose levels are in the normal range which is important in the crucial first weeks of pregnancy.After giving birth, breastfeeding is the best thing for you and your baby. In addition to the myriad of other benefits that will be derived from breastfeeding it can reduce the chances of your baby developing diabetes later in life.Taking good care yourself while pregnant can help you reduce the risks associated with diabetes in pregnancy. Continue to eat sensibly and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight

The exact cause or causes of what causes gestational diabetes are not known. But there are risk factors that can increase the chances of getting it. As with any disease, risk factors are not a guarantee that you will contract the disease they just make the likelihood of getting it higher. Some of the risk factors you will have control over and some you do not.A family history of diabetes will increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes in pregnancy. The closer the relative is to you (first generation like a parent) means the risk is increased. If your family suffers from diabetes, your own pancreas may not be able to produce the amount of insulin necessary while pregnant. This deficit combined with the hormones released by the placenta can lead to diabetes in pregnancy.Women who are overweight and are clinically considered obese run a higher risk of being diagnosed. The excess wait puts a strain on your body, including your pancreas, and makes it hard for enough insulin to be produced and used by your body effectively.If you have had a previous baby with a higher than average birth weight, you are considered at risk for your next pregnancy of getting gestational diabetes. It could have been possible that you had it in your first pregnancy and it went undiagnosed. Babies born from moms with diabetes in pregnancy tend to be larger unless her blood sugars are strictly managed. Or if you had diabetes in your first pregnancy, chances are very high that you will get it again.Since there is still no known cause a woman may have all of these factors or none and still get diabetes. It is best to attend all of your prenatal appointments with your doctor so he can be on the look out for any signs that you may have gestational diabetes.

Depending on when you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy (most likely between weeks 24 and 28) you are going to have many weeks of watching what you eat ahead of you. If you find a meal that you like and works well with your blood sugars you may be tempted to eat it again (and again and again). You are going to reach a point where you do not want to even think about a piece of toast with peanut butter again. And when you do, here are some ideas for a diabetic friendly breakfast:* One piece of whole wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter and a glass of milk* A bowl of cereal and milk with almonds sprinkled on top* One egg (cooked to your preference) a piece of toast and a glass of milk* Natural peanut butter spread on half a banana* Egg and cheese omelet with your choice of vegetablesGo for quality foods because as you can see, meal sizes are going to be small. By combining your breakfast foods with a protein you will assist your body in processing the sugar. The added benefit of the protein is be satiating for a longer period of time. If you fill up on carbohydrates (which is very easy to do at breakfast) you are going to be hungry sooner and have a higher blood sugar for your next reading.As breakfast is going to set the tone for the rest of the day, don