But there are still some important issues and risks you need to be aware of. The first few days, weeks, and months after delivery can be a time when you are at risk for both emotional and physical problems. Being aware of the risks and knowing what you can do about them can help. Typically, your blood sugar will be checked several times before you are discharged from the hospital after giving birth, so that you can be sure your gestational diabetes has resolved. “Medical follow-up for all women who have had gestational diabetes is very important. In 2 to 3 percent of women, diabetes continues after delivery. All women should have their glucose checked at between six and eight weeks,” advises Robert O. Atlas, MD, chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “Emotionally, the first several months after giving birth can be stressful for many new mothers. Depression after childbirth peaks at three to four months. We can’t say that gestational diabetes causes postpartum depression, but studies indicate that the risks may be higher for these women,” warns Linda Chaudron, MD, a psychiatrist at University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. What Are the Risks After Gestational Diabetes? Some women will continue to have trouble with blood sugar after giving birth. There are also emotional issues and long-term concerns you need to know about:
Type 2 diabetes. This is the most common type of diabetes. After having gestational diabetes, you are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all women with a history of gestational diabetes have a two-hour glucose tolerance test at six weeks and at least every three years after giving birth.Weight control. Women with gestational diabetes who fail to control their weight after giving birth have a higher risk of having gestational diabetes again in their next pregnancy and of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, according to a 2010 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Depression. Mothers who have gestational diabetes may have a significantly higher risk of developing postpartum depression than mothers who did not have diabetes during pregnancy, Atlas says.Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is recommended for mothers who had gestational diabetes. But since producing breast milk requires the body to use energy and burn calories, some women with gestational diabetes may be more likely to have trouble regulating their blood sugar after giving birth. Most women will be able to breastfeed without difficulty.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risks After Gestational Diabetes? Knowing what the risks are is a start. Now you can take steps to stay safe after gestational diabetes:
Know the symptoms of postpartum depression. Some sadness and even anger are not unusual in the first few weeks after giving birth. If you continue to have problems sleeping, have overwhelming exhaustion, loss of appetite, constant anxiety, or any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you need help. Talk to your doctor — postpartum depression is treatable.Continue all your follow-up medical care. Remember you are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Make sure to follow through with all recommended doctor visits and blood tests.Stick to a diet and exercise program. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, following a diet high in fruits, grains, and vegetables, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day can lower your risk for future health problems.Breastfeed your baby. If you are getting enough calories and eating wisely, breastfeeding is safe for you. There is some evidence that breastfeeding can lower your baby’s chance of being overweight as an adult. Breastfeeding can also help you lose weight after your pregnancy, and may lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm this.
The first days, weeks, and months after gestational diabetes are a time when you are at some risk for physical and emotional problems, but they are also the time when you can start to establish the good habits that will help you stay healthy in the future. Stay close to your medical team and make sure to keep all your appointments. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Eat well and exercise regularly. You managed your gestational diabetes; now is the time to start managing your future.
