Questions for Your OB

First-time expectant moms may be surprised to discover a test for diabetes is a normal occurrence during prenatal visits. Gestational diabetes affects about 3 to 5 percent of pregnant women. Of those women who have gestational diabetes, half will have no signs of diabetes after the delivery. But the other half may develop diabetes later in life.

If you are one of those pregnant women who tests positive for this condition, expect your doctor to recommend a regulated diet that limits or eliminates sugars (and you thought you could eat anything you wanted when pregnant!). This diet will most likely include eating smaller meals more frequently as well as an exercise program. There is the possibility your doctor may recommend taking insulin to treat this condition depending on the severity of your diabetes.