I'm not diabetic, but my doctor told me that I have gestational diabetes. What does that mean? And will it last beyond my pregnancy? – Pat Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high. That makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher too. Most pregnant women have a glucose screening for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks. A big worry about gestational diabetes is what it can do to a baby. Babies born to mothers who have gestational diabetes are more likely to: be born early (prematurely) grow very large have breathing problems have jaundice have low blood levels of calcium or glucose just after they're born These and other kinds of problems from gestational diabetes can make babies need to stay in the hospital longer for extra treatment. If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will probably start you on a treatment plan. Most women can get their blood sugar levels under control with a healthy food plan and daily exercise. Some women also need to take daily insulin shots and test their blood sugar until they give birth. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after a baby is born. A mom may get it again during future pregnancies, though. Some women who have it will develop diabetes when they're older. Sometimes a woman may have had diabetes before the pregnancy but not know it. When that happens, the diabetes does not go away after the baby is born. Back to Articles Related Articles Prenatal Test: Glucose Screening Glucose screenings check for gestational diabetes, a short-term form of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. Read More Staying Healthy During Pregnancy During your pregnancy, you'll probably get advice from everyone. But staying healthy depends on you - read about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. Read More Medical Care During Pregnancy The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect. Read More Pregnancy & Newborn Center Advice and information for expectant and new parents. Read More Prenatal Tests: FAQs Every parent-to-be hopes for a healthy baby, but it can be hard not to worry. Find out what tests can keep you informed of your health — and your baby's — throughout pregnancy. Read More A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Calendar Our week-by-week illustrated pregnancy calendar is a detailed guide to all the changes taking place in your baby - and in you! Read More Preventing Premature Birth Babies who are born premature - before 37 weeks of pregnancy - can have health problems that last their whole lives. Learn ways to prevent early labor and have a healthy pregnancy. Read More Prenatal Tests: First Trimester Find out what tests may be offered to you during the first trimester of pregnancy. Read More Prenatal Tests: Second Trimester Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 13 through 26 of pregnancy. Read More Prenatal Tests: Third Trimester Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 27 through 40 of pregnancy. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.