Prevention

Certain factors may help you prevent gestational diabetes:

• Work with your doctor about weight gain. You should not diet. If you are starting your pregnancy with excess weight, you should work with your doctor or dietitian to curb how much weight you gain during pregnancy. Typically, if you start pregnancy at normal weight, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are too thin should gain even more weight. For those who are obese, a weight gain of 15 to 25 pounds is generally recommended.
• Eat healthy. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to find a good diet. Fat intake should be 30 percent or less of your daily calories. Make sure that the bulk of your diet consists of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise. Exercise is important for everyone, not just pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Physical activity helps your body use the excess glucose.

In many cases, gestational diabetes can't be helped because of risk factors such as family history, age and ethnic background.

More on Gestational Diabetes

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.