Healthy Mom

Find out if you have Gestational Diabetes

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Gestational Diabetes. It's quick, free, and you’ll get your confidential results instantly.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Anemia Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Anemia.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Severe Morning Sickness Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Severe Morning Sickness.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Anxiety Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Anxiety.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Depression Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Depression.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Gestational Hypertension Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Gestational Hypertension.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Pelvic Girdle Pain Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Pelvic Girdle Pain (also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction).

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Sleep Disorder Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Sleep Disorder.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Infections Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Infections.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Thyroiditis Test

This test reports on a postpartum mother's risk for Postpartum Thyroiditis.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester, Post-Birth

Breast Infection Test

This test reports on a new or expectant mother's risk for Breast Infection (also known as Mastitis).

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Anxiety Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Anxiety.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Depression Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Depression.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Sleep Disorder Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Sleep Disorder.

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Post-Birth

Diastasis Recti Test

This test reports on a new mother's risk for Diastasis Recti.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Preeclampsia Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Preeclampsia.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Preeclampsia Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Preeclampsia.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Trauma Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Trauma.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Obstetric Cholestasis Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Obstetric Cholestasis.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Deep Vein Thrombosis Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Test

This test reports on a new mother's risk for Postpartum Cardiomyopathy.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Pregnancy-related OCD Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Pregnancy-related OCD.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Psychosis Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Psychosis.

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Symptoms & Causes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Understanding the symptoms and causes of gestational diabetes is important for early detection and management to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Symptoms

Gestational diabetes may not always present noticeable symptoms, but some women may experience:

  • Increased Thirst: Excessive thirst (polydipsia) due to elevated blood sugar levels.
  • Frequent Urination: Increased frequency of urination (polyuria) as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued, which can be a common symptom of pregnancy but may worsen with gestational diabetes.
  • Increased Hunger: Excessive hunger (polyphagia) despite eating regular meals, as the body's cells may not be able to effectively utilize glucose for energy.
  • Blurred Vision: Blurred vision or other vision changes due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels affecting the eyes.
  • Recurrent Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections, due to elevated glucose levels promoting bacterial or fungal growth.

Causes

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:

  • Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that can interfere with the action of insulin, leading to insulin resistance.
  • Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Women with a family history of diabetes or who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly central obesity (abdominal or visceral fat), increases the risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes.
  • Poor Diet: Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.
  • Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity or sedentary behavior can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
  • Previous History: Women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are at increased risk of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies.

Gestational diabetes is a common pregnancy complication characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the causes are important for early detection and appropriate management to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing gestational diabetes and reducing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes involves:

  • Glucose Screening Test: Typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, this initial screening involves drinking a sugary solution followed by blood tests to measure blood sugar levels after one hour.
  • Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): If the initial screening test is positive, a follow-up GTT may be performed. This involves fasting overnight and then drinking a concentrated glucose solution followed by blood tests to measure blood sugar levels at fasting and at specific intervals over a three-hour period.
  • Diagnostic Criteria: Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is based on specific blood sugar values obtained during the glucose tolerance test, as recommended by healthcare guidelines.

Treatment

Treatment of gestational diabetes focuses on managing blood sugar levels and minimizing the risk of complications. Treatment options may include:

Dietary Modifications:

  • Healthy Eating Plan: Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and support maternal and fetal health.
  • Monitoring Carbohydrate Intake: Spreading carbohydrate intake throughout the day and choosing complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
  • Portion Control: Monitoring portion sizes and avoiding excessive consumption of sugary or high-carbohydrate foods and beverages.

Regular Physical Activity:

  • Exercise Routine: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine is important to ensure safety and appropriateness during pregnancy.

Monitoring and Medical Care:

  • Self-Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels at home using a glucometer and maintaining a record of results.
  • Prenatal Appointments: Attending regular prenatal appointments for monitoring blood sugar levels, fetal growth, and maternal well-being.
  • Medication: In some cases, insulin therapy or oral medications may be prescribed if dietary and lifestyle modifications are insufficient to control blood sugar levels.

The diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes requires close monitoring and management to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Proper dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and medical care are essential for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications associated with gestational diabetes.

When to Seek Treatment

Knowing when to seek treatment for suspected gestational diabetes is essential for early intervention and minimizing the risk of complications.

It's important for pregnant women to seek treatment for suspected gestational diabetes if they:

  • Have Risk Factors: Women with risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, or belonging to certain ethnic groups (e.g., Hispanic, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander), should undergo screening for gestational diabetes as recommended by healthcare guidelines.
  • Experience Symptoms: Although gestational diabetes may not always cause noticeable symptoms, women who experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision should consult their healthcare provider for evaluation and screening.
  • Receive Positive Screening Results: If the initial glucose screening test performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy indicates elevated blood sugar levels, further diagnostic testing with a glucose tolerance test (GTT) may be recommended.
  • Receive Medical Advice: If a healthcare provider recommends evaluation or treatment for suspected gestational diabetes based on prenatal assessments or risk factors.

Importance of Timely Treatment

Seeking timely treatment for suspected gestational diabetes is crucial for several reasons:

  • Optimizing Maternal and Fetal Health: Proper management of gestational diabetes through dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and, if necessary, medication helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
  • Preventing Complications: Early intervention and appropriate management of gestational diabetes can help prevent complications such as macrosomia (excessive fetal growth), birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: Close monitoring of blood sugar levels, fetal growth, and maternal well-being allows for timely detection of any changes or complications, enabling appropriate intervention and management.
  • Collaborative Care: Collaborative care between healthcare providers and regular prenatal appointments are essential for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes and ensuring comprehensive management of gestational diabetes.

Pregnant women with risk factors for gestational diabetes or experiencing symptoms should seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly. Early intervention and appropriate management of gestational diabetes are key to ensuring a healthier pregnancy experience for both the mother and the baby.