Gestational Diabetes Care in Manhattan Beach
Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. It is one of the most common pregnancy complications, and with early screening and the right support, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health in Manhattan Beach, CA , our midwives and in-practice OB/GYNs work together to keep you informed, supported, and on track.
Why Gestational Diabetes Happens
During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that make the body more resistant to insulin. For most women, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. When it cannot keep up, blood sugar rises and gestational diabetes develops. Risk factors include a higher pre-pregnancy weight, a family history of type 2 diabetes, PCOS, gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, and being over age 35. However, many women with no risk factors develop it too, which is why screening is part of routine prenatal care.
Screening and Diagnosis
Most patients are screened between 24 and 28 weeks with a glucose challenge test. If your risk is higher, we may recommend earlier testing. If your initial result is elevated, a longer glucose tolerance test confirms the diagnosis. Because gestational diabetes often causes no noticeable symptoms, these screenings are an important part of your care.
How We Manage Gestational Diabetes
Our approach is personal and practical:
- Nutrition coaching: Balanced meals that pair carbohydrates with protein and fiber, with access to nutritional consultants through the Cove Concierge Membership.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Guidance on home glucose checks and reviewing your numbers together at each visit.
- Movement: Safe, gentle activity such as walking after meals to help lower blood sugar.
- Physician collaboration: If diet and activity are not enough and medication or insulin is needed, our Board-Certified OB/GYNs co-manage your care so you stay with a team you trust.
- Baby’s growth monitoring: Additional assessments in the third trimester when appropriate.
Planning for Birth
Many women with well-controlled gestational diabetes can still have the low-intervention birth they hope for. We will talk openly about timing, monitoring during labor, and your preferences as part of labor and delivery planning, and our childbirth education classes help you prepare. After birth, your baby’s blood sugar will be checked, and early, frequent feeding helps stabilize it, which our lactation support team can assist with.
After Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery, but it raises your long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. We recommend a follow-up glucose test during postpartum care and ongoing screening as part of well-woman gynecology. If you plan another pregnancy, preconception counseling can help lower your risk. You can also learn about related concerns such as high blood pressure in pregnancy or browse all conditions we treat.
Gestational Diabetes FAQs
When am I tested for gestational diabetes?
Most women are screened between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Women with higher risk may be tested earlier.
Does gestational diabetes have symptoms?
Usually not. Some women notice increased thirst or urination, but these are also common in normal pregnancy, which is why routine screening matters.
Can I still see a midwife if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes. At Cove, your midwife continues caring for you while our in-practice OB/GYNs collaborate when medication or additional monitoring is needed.
Can gestational diabetes be managed with diet alone?
Many women manage it with nutrition changes and regular activity. Some need medication or insulin, which is safe and common.
Will I need a cesarean birth?
Not necessarily. Many women with well-controlled gestational diabetes have vaginal births. Your care team will discuss your individual situation.
Does gestational diabetes go away after birth?
It usually resolves after delivery, but it increases your future risk of type 2 diabetes, so follow-up testing is recommended.
How can I lower my risk in a future pregnancy?
Healthy nutrition, regular activity, and a preconception visit before trying to conceive can help reduce your risk.
Supportive Gestational Diabetes Care
A gestational diabetes diagnosis doesn’t change our commitment to a personal, empowering pregnancy. Call Cove Midwifery and Women's Health at (844) 808-COVE or request an appointment today.