7 gestational diabetes self-care tips every mom can use

Pregnancy comes with plenty of changes, questions and, of course, emotions. If you’ve recently learned you have gestational diabetes, you might feel worried or unsure about what comes next. Gestational diabetes is manageable, and with guidance from your care team and a few daily self-care tips, you can keep your blood sugar under control, protect your baby’s growth and support your own well-being.

Before diving into some self-care strategies, it helps to understand what gestational diabetes is and why it develops during pregnancy.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes happens when pregnancy hormones interfere with the way your body uses insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a hormone that can make your body more resistant to insulin, which can cause your blood sugar to rise.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Many women with gestational diabetes don’t notice any obvious symptoms, which is why routine screening and maternity care during pregnancy are so important. When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and easy to overlook, and may include:

• Feeling more thirsty than usual
• Needing to urinate more often
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

Because these signs can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, it’s not always easy to tell when something is different. Early detection allows you to take action through self-care and monitoring, reducing the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

How is gestational diabetes tested?

Gestational diabetes is usually tested during the second trimester of pregnancy, between 24 and 28 weeks. Your doctor may recommend earlier testing if you have certain risk factors for gestational diabetes such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, being over age 25 or having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.

The most common test is called the glucose tolerance test. You’ll drink a sweet liquid, and after an hour, a blood sample will be taken to check your blood sugar level. If your result is higher than normal, a second test may be ordered, called the three-hour glucose tolerance test. This test involves drinking another sweet solution and having your blood sugar checked several times over a few hours.

These tests are a way to identify gestational diabetes early so you and your doctor can make a plan to keep you and your baby healthy.

Treating gestational diabetes

Treatment for gestational diabetes usually starts with lifestyle changes, and most women can manage their blood sugar through careful attention to diet and physical activity.

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to keep blood sugar within a healthy range. When this happens, your provider may prescribe insulin or, less commonly, oral medications. These medications are carefully chosen and monitored to ensure they are safe for both you and your baby.

Throughout treatment, regular blood sugar monitoring at home is essential. Checking your levels at the times recommended by your care team provides feedback on how well your plan is working and helps to guide any adjustments needed to maintain a healthy blood sugar.

Always follow up with your provider as scheduled, but call sooner if you experience:

• Consistently high blood sugar readings
• Severe headaches or vision changes
• Unusual swelling in your hands, feet or face
• Decreased baby movements

Will gestational diabetes go away?

For most women, gestational diabetes goes away after delivery as pregnancy hormones return to normal. However, during pregnancy, gestational diabetes can affect both mother and baby long-term if not managed carefully.

For mothers, it may increase the risk of high blood pressure, while babies may face higher birth weight, low blood sugar after birth or a greater risk of developing diabetes later in life. Following a healthy eating plan, staying active, and monitoring your blood sugar during pregnancy can help protect both you and your baby and set the stage for long-term health.

In some women, gestational diabetes does not go away after delivery. For this reason, all women should be tested again around the time of their postpartum visit to make sure their diabetes has resolved. All women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at some point later in life, so it is important to tell your primary care doctor about your history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

7 gestational diabetes self-care tips

Managing gestational diabetes is more than just keeping your blood sugar in check during pregnancy. It is also about supporting your baby’s growth and safeguarding your own long-term health.

Gestational diabetes self-care plays a central role in treating the condition should it develop. The daily choices you make with food, activity, stress and sleep can directly influence your blood sugar levels. While your care team will guide you, the steps you also take at home are just as important to help you stay on track throughout your pregnancy.

1. Eat balanced meals

What you eat has an impact on your blood sugar. Focus on a variety of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Pairing carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats helps prevent spikes in blood sugar.

For example, you could enjoy an apple with a spoonful of peanut butter, whole-grain toast topped with avocado or a small handful of nuts with berries. Even pairing carrots or bell pepper slices with hummus provides a balance that keeps your blood sugar steady. Also, try spreading out your meals and snacks evenly throughout the day to keep your energy stable.

2. Know which foods to limit

Sugary drinks, desserts and heavily processed foods can quickly raise blood sugar levels. This includes items such as:

• Soda
• Sweetened teas
• Fruit juices
• Candy
• Cookies
• Pastries
• White bread
• Chips
• Fast-food options

Limiting these can make a big difference. Instead of fruit juice, try water with a splash of lemon, or, in place of white bread, choose whole-grain options. Small swaps can add up.

3. Stay active safely

Movement helps your body use insulin more effectively. Walking, swimming or prenatal yoga can all be safe choices during pregnancy. Even light activity after meals, like a 10–15 minute walk, can help you manage your blood sugar. It’s always recommended to check with your healthcare provider before starting or changing your exercise routine.

4. Monitor your blood sugar

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your care team will recommend checking your blood sugar at home. This gives you feedback on how food, activity and stress are affecting your levels. Keeping a daily log can help your doctor make adjustments if needed.

5. Manage stress

Stress hormones can raise blood sugar. Deep breathing, meditation, gentle stretching or listening to calming music may help keep stress levels in check. Even setting aside a few minutes each day for relaxation can make a real difference.

6. Get enough sleep

Poor sleep can affect blood sugar control. Aim for a regular sleep routine and try winding down with quiet activities before bed. If discomfort makes it hard to rest, a pregnancy pillow may help.

7. Take your medications as prescribed

Some women with gestational diabetes need insulin or oral medication. If this becomes part of your care plan, take medications exactly as directed and talk with your doctor if you have questions.

Putting gestational diabetes self-care into practice

Gestational diabetes may feel like one more thing to manage during pregnancy, but taking small, consistent steps can make a big difference. By eating balanced meals, staying active, monitoring your blood sugar, managing stress and following your doctor’s guidance, you’re actively looking out for your health and your baby’s health. Every choice you make adds up, and with the support of your healthcare team, you can feel confident in navigating this part of your pregnancy journey.

If you have a higher risk for gestational diabetes, discuss proactive steps with your OBGYN. You can also feel supported throughout your pregnancy with Pregnancy Care, our virtual program designed to guide expecting moms through every trimester, or find an OBGYN near you.