Healthy Pregnancy Guidance: 5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Gestational Diabetes

About 1 in 10 pregnant women develops gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs when pregnancy hormones interfere with your body’s ability to use insulin effectively and cause higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.

It often resolves after delivery, but gestational diabetes can increase your risk of complications like high birth weight, premature delivery, preeclampsia, and a higher likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.

The exact causes of gestational diabetes aren’t completely clear — and unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it entirely. However, healthy lifestyle habits and regular prenatal care can significantly reduce your risk and help detect it early if it does occur.

Understanding your risk and taking proactive steps can make a meaningful difference in your pregnancy journey, and this National Diabetes Month, our team at South Valley Women's Health Care is here to help. Here are five ways to lower your risk:

1. Seek pre-pregnancy counseling

Planning for a healthy pregnancy can start even before conception. At South Valley Women's Health Care, we offer pre-pregnancy counseling to discuss your overall health, family history, and lifestyle with your care provider.

If you have risk factors for gestational diabetes (like family history of diabetes, being overweight, or having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy), this is the time to identify them and create a personalized plan.

By addressing potential challenges before you get pregnant, you can start your pregnancy in the best possible health and lower your risks from the very beginning.

2. Maintain a balanced diet

Nutrition plays one of the most important roles in preventing gestational diabetes, and every woman’s nutritional needs are different during pregnancy. Our team can offer information and support to help you create a nutrition plan that’s right for you.

In general, we recommend eating a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fat, which helps regulate your blood sugar and provides the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates can reduce the spikes in blood sugar that put extra strain on your body.

3. Stay active

Exercise improves your body’s ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar, and that’s true even during pregnancy.  If you weren’t active before pregnancy, you can still safely begin gentle activity under your care team’s guidance. Staying active also helps reduce pregnancy discomforts like back pain and improves circulation.

Consider making a habit of simple activities like walking for 20–30 minutes most days of the week. Swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga are also safe, effective options for many women. Think of it as an investment not only in preventing gestational diabetes but also in making your pregnancy more comfortable overall.

4. Manage your weight

Weight gain is normal and healthy during pregnancy. But if you’re overweight before getting pregnant, taking steps toward a healthy weight can significantly reduce your chances of developing gestational diabetes. Even modest weight loss before conception can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk.

Once you’re pregnant, we guide you on safe and healthy weight gain goals that support your baby’s growth without putting unnecessary strain on your body. Our goal is not restriction, but rather making mindful choices that benefit you and your baby in the long run.

5. Commit to regular prenatal care

Perhaps the most important step you can take is to keep up with all of your prenatal care visits. At these appointments, we monitor your vital signs, check your baby’s growth, and identify any early warning signs of gestational diabetes. Most women have a standard gestational diabetes test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

And if you do develop gestational diabetes, close monitoring and timely intervention can help keep your pregnancy on track and your baby safe. Prenatal care also gives you the chance to ask questions, express concerns, and receive the reassurance you need during what can be both an exciting and overwhelming time.

We know how important it is to feel confident and supported throughout your pregnancy. That’s why we offer pre-pregnancy counseling and family planning services to help you prepare for conception, along with comprehensive prenatal care to guide you through every stage of pregnancy.

This National Diabetes Month, we encourage expectant mothers and women planning to become pregnant to take proactive steps in lowering their risk of gestational diabetes. With the right guidance, lifestyle habits, and medical support, you can feel empowered to enjoy a healthier, safer pregnancy for both you and your baby.

To learn more, click here to book an appointment.