A patient with gestational diabetes is starting insulin management. What information should the nurse include about insulin needs?

During pregnancy, particularly when managing gestational diabetes, the body's insulin needs can increase significantly. This increase is primarily due to the hormonal changes that occur, particularly the rise in hormones like human placental lactogen and estrogen, which can lead to insulin resistance. As the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, the placenta grows and produces more of these hormones, consequently driving up the insulin requirements to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

As a result, it's crucial for the nurse to communicate that insulin needs typically do increase throughout the latter parts of pregnancy. This information is vital for the patient to understand, as it helps them manage their condition effectively, minimizing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Proper adjustments to insulin regimen during these stages will support optimal glycemic control.

The other options do not accurately reflect the dynamics of insulin management in gestational diabetes. While some patients may find that insulin needs decrease after delivery as the placenta is no longer producing hormones that induce resistance, the emphasis is on the necessity of ongoing adjustments during pregnancy itself to ensure health and safety.