APA Dictionary of Psychology

diabetes mellitus during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diabetic; it usually starts around or after week 24 of gestation, and it is estimated to occur in up to 10% of pregnancies. If gestational diabetes is left untreated, the fetus may become overweight, increasing the risk of injury during birth or requiring a cesarean section; later, the child will be at risk of obesity and developing Type 2 diabetes. Having gestational diabetes may raise a woman’s risk of future Type 2 diabetes by 10%. Treatment includes strict meal plans, scheduled exercise, and in some cases insulin injections. Psychological interventions to manage stress and to encourage the mother’s adherence to her treatment regimen may be warranted as well.