(HealthDay News) -- Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, and it requires careful attention to keep mother and baby safe and healthy.

When you're pregnant, your body produces hormones that impair the work of insulin. So the pregnant woman produces extra insulin, but in some women this isn't enough. They get gestational diabetes, which tends to go away when pregnancy ends.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these guidelines if you're prone to gestational diabetes:

• Work with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that accommodates both you and baby.
• Avoid eating sweets, eat frequent small meals throughout the day, and watch your carbohydrate intake.
• Eat sufficient fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Generally, exercise for at least 30 minutes each day is recommended. Talk with your doctor about how much and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
• Check your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor, and record your results so you can monitor them.
• Take your diabetes medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.