Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes occurs when the body has trouble using sugar (glucose) in the blood. This causes abnormally high sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause problems for both you and your baby, including an increased risk for preeclampsia, miscarriage and premature delivery.
Though gestational diabetes often goes away after delivery, having had it raises a woman’s risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This is important to know so you can begin taking steps right away to protect your health. If you had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, be sure to tell your doctor so that your heart health can be monitored and you can practice good preventive care.