Expert Insights from Dr. Sunita Pawar | Best Gynecologist in HSR Layout
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey — but it’s also a time when your body goes through many changes, including how it manages blood sugar levels. One of the most important routine checks during pregnancy is gestational diabetes testing. Early detection and proper management can ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It happens when your body cannot make enough insulin to manage increased blood sugar levels. While it usually goes away after delivery, untreated gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications such as high birth weight, premature delivery, and cesarean birth.
Why Is Testing Important?
Screening for gestational diabetes helps identify women at risk early on, allowing doctors to recommend lifestyle changes and treatment if necessary. The test is typically done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, but women with risk factors such as obesity, family history of diabetes, or previous gestational diabetes may be screened earlier.
Types of Gestational Diabetes Tests
- Glucose Challenge Test (GCT): A simple blood test done after drinking a glucose solution. If the result is high, a second test is done to confirm.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test involves fasting overnight, drinking a glucose drink, and checking blood sugar levels at different intervals.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
If diagnosed, gestational diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In some cases, medication or insulin may be prescribed. With proper care and medical guidance, most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
About Dr. Sunita Pawar
Dr. Sunita Pawar is a highly experienced gynecologist and obstetrician in HSR Layout, known for her compassionate care and clinical expertise. She specializes in pregnancy care, infertility, high-risk pregnancies, and women’s health.
With years of experience helping expectant mothers through every stage of pregnancy, Dr. Pawar emphasizes preventive care and patient education to ensure safe and healthy deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I get tested for gestational diabetes?
Most women are tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, though those at higher risk may be tested earlier.
2. Is gestational diabetes permanent?
In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after delivery. However, it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later, so regular checkups are important.
3. Can I prevent gestational diabetes?
While not all cases can be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced meals, and staying active before and during pregnancy can lower your risk.
4. What happens if my test results are positive?
If diagnosed, your doctor will guide you through a personalized care plan, which may include diet changes, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.
5. Will gestational diabetes affect my baby?
If managed well, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and babies. Early detection and proper care are key to minimizing any risks.
Final Thoughts
Gestational diabetes testing during pregnancy is a crucial step toward ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby. Early detection, guided by an expert like Dr. Sunita Pawar, allows timely management and peace of mind throughout your pregnancy journey.