Gestational diabetes care
If you have diabetes while you’re pregnant, trust the knowledgeable team at Montage Health to help keep you and your baby healthy and safe.
What’s gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. You’ll need extra checkups throughout your pregnancy if you:
- Are at high risk for gestational diabetes because you’re overweight, had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, previously gave birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds, or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Develop diabetes during your pregnancy
- Have diabetes before you get pregnant
If you’re planning to try for a baby and you have diabetes or are at high risk for gestational diabetes, talk to your doctor or reach out to our team. Preconception counseling can prepare you for the healthiest possible pregnancy.
If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes
If your doctor isn’t available right away or doesn’t manage diabetes, the diabetes and nutritional therapy team can provide transitional support with a referral. We’ll schedule your appointment within three business days. For example, we may prescribe insulin based on your blood sugar levels, so you stay safe until you see your doctor or an endocrinologist (physician who specializes in hormone disorders like diabetes). Throughout your pregnancy, we’ll stay in touch with you and your doctors to make sure you receive the best possible, coordinated care.
Your care plan
You may visit our office for outpatient (same-day) care or have a convenient virtual visit with one of our providers. Your customized care plan may include:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Diabetes education from registered nurses and dietitians with gestational diabetes expertise. You’ll receive accurate information and helpful tips that meet guidelines set by the American Diabetes Standards of Care
- Nutrition and exercise planning
- Medication management, if needed. Most patients with gestational diabetes are able to manage their condition through nutrition and exercise without using insulin during their pregnancy
- Stress screenings and referrals to Montage Health and community resources for support
- Post-pregnancy diabetes prevention or management
Feel peace of mind knowing Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s inpatient diabetes department is available if you need:
- Higher level of care during your pregnancy
- Special labor and delivery care at our Family Birth Center
How many appointments will I need?
Most patients have weekly appointments at first. Once you feel confident managing your condition, you’ll have monthly check-ins, including an appointment one month before your due date. Rest assured, we’re available to provide guidance to you and other members of your care team before and after your baby is born.
