Whether or not you take insulin, you'll need to monitor your glucose levels if you have gestational diabetes. You'll learn how to do this using a home glucose meter or strips. Your unborn baby's weight and heart rate will be regularly checked as well. Your pregnancy will probably be considered high-risk, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll encounter problems during your pregnancy, particularly if blood glucose levels are normalized. I've heard exercise can help.
Studies show physical activity helps keep glucose levels in check.
Other evidence suggests that exercising before you get pregnant can help prevent you from ever getting gestational diabetes. You'll be checked for it postpartum, but the good news is that it disappears after delivery in most women. Nonetheless, if you had gestational diabetes, you increase your risk of developing diabetes later in life. And women who were obese before and during pregnancy are much more more likely to remain diabetic after pregnancy. This Web site is a free resource for everyone in Minnesota.