Gestational Diabetes

Overview

Gestational diabetes can cause problems for the mother and baby if not controlled. With monitoring and treatment, most women have healthy pregnancies.

Symptoms

• Usually no symptoms
• Increased thirst
• Passing urine more often
• Tiredness

Causes and risk factors

Pregnancy hormones make the body less sensitive to insulin. Risk factors include overweight, previous gestational diabetes, a previous large baby, a family history of diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and South Asian ethnicity.

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed with a glucose tolerance test, usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier for women at high risk.

Treatment

Treatment includes diet changes, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring and, if needed, metformin or insulin. The baby's growth is monitored closely.

When to see a doctor

Attend your antenatal checks and screening. After birth, have a blood sugar test and regular checks, as the risk of type 2 diabetes is higher.