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One of the complications of pregnancy is sometimes gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. It is like other forms of diabetes in that it affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). As a result, your blood sugar level is too high. Gestational diabetes left untreated can result in a variety of health problems for you and your baby.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes:

• Excessive thirst

• Increased urination

Some women are at greater risk for developing gestational diabetes. Any pregnant woman can develop it. Review the following factors that can increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy:

• Age: Women older than age 25 are at a higher risk

• Family or personal history: If you have a close family member such as a parent or sibling who has type 2 diabetes you are at higher risk. If you had gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy, you are at a higher risk for subsequent pregnancies.

• Weight: Gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy does not cause gestational diabetes, however, if you are overweight before pregnancy, you are at a higher risk for gestational diabetes.

• Race: It is unclear why women of some races are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. An increased risk is present for black, Hispanic or American Indian women.

• Previous complicated pregnancy: An unexplained stillbirth or a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds may call for a pre-screening for gestational diabetes the next you become pregnant.

There are women who develop gestational diabetes with no known risk factors.

Treatment for gestational diabetes:

• Controlling blood sugar usually with diet and exercise, however, if diet and exercise does not control the blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe medication. Monitoring blood sugar is the key to your treatment program because it tells you whether your blood sugar is within a normal range.

One of the best ways to control your blood sugar level is to eat the right kind and amount of food. Healthy diets are important for every pregnant woman. Eating a healthy diet is even more important if you have gestational diabetes.

You will need to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You want to eat foods high in nutrition and low in fat and calories, fewer animal products and sweets. In addition, working with a registered dietitian or counselor can help you put together an individual meal plan based on your blood sugar level, height, weight, exercise habits and food preferences.

Regular physical activity causes sugar to be transported to your cells where it is used for energy and lowers the levels in your blood. Exercise also reduces blood sugar by increasing your sensitivity to insulin.

Regular exercise during pregnancy has many other benefits which include:

• Preventing some of the discomforts of pregnancy such as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and difficulty sleeping

• Regular exercise can help you prepare for labor and delivery

• With increased muscle strength and endurance you will reduce stress on your ligaments and joints during delivery. Regular exercise can also help you during labor, delivery and shorten your recovery time.

Your goal for exercise during pregnancy should be moderate aerobic exercise on most days. If you are not generally active, start slowly and build up gradually. Best results are achieved through a program of aerobic activity, stretching and strength-training exercise.Although gestational diabetes is reason for concern and closer monitoring for you and the baby, it is a complication of pregnancy that can be successfully treated.