Health Information
Gestational Diabetes
What Increases Your Risk
You have an increased chance of developing gestational diabetes if:
- You are 25 or older when you become pregnant.
- You have had gestational diabetes before.
- You have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 lb (4 kg).
- You weighed more than 9 lb (4 kg) when you were born.
- You have a parent or sibling who has Reference type 2 diabetes Opens New Window.
- You are not physically active before pregnancy.
- You are obese (your
Reference body mass index Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window[BMI] is 30 or
higher). - You are a member of a racial group or ethnic group that has a high risk of diabetes, such as Latin Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, or Pacific Islanders.
- You have Reference polycystic ovary syndrome Opens New Window.
- You have a dark skin rash called Reference acanthosis nigricans Opens New Window on the back of your neck or in folds on your body.
- You take Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window medicine.
- You have a history of prediabetes.
- You have a history of problems during pregnancy.
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


