Is there anything I can do to avoid gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

Q. I recently had my first child, and during my pregnancy I developed gestational diabetes. I’m already thinking about having another child. Is there anything I can do to avoid this condition the second time around?

A. Women who have gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes during their first pregnancy have a 45% chance of experiencing it again during their next one. The odds are even higher if a woman doesn’t take steps to modify her lifestyle in the meantime. Gestational diabetes not only increases the risk of complications for the baby, it substantially raises the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes as she gets older.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that women who have had gestational diabetes get their blood glucose (sugar) checked 6 weeks after giving birth. If the test results are back to normal, the test should be repeated at least once every 3 years. If a woman’s fasting glucose or glucose tolerance is impaired, she should be tested annually.

You’re right to begin efforts now to try to avoid the condition during your next pregnancy. For example, if you smoke, you should definitely quit. If being overweight is a problem, get it under control. A healthy diet and, above all, regular exercise are key.

Before becoming pregnant again, you should have your blood sugar level checked to be sure it is under control. A fetus (developing baby) is most vulnerable to damage by elevated blood sugar 5 to 8 weeks after conception.