Gestational diabetes

Symptoms

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms.

Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for gestational diabetes.

Some women may develop symptoms if their blood sugar levels gets too high (hyperglycaemia), such as:

• increased thirst
• needing to pee more often than usual
• a dry mouth
• tiredness
• blurred eyesight
• genital itching or thrush

But some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy and are not necessarily a sign of gestational diabetes. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you're worried about any symptoms you're experiencing.

Risk Factors

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but you're at an increased risk if:

• you are over 40
• your body mass index (BMI) is above 30 – use the BMI healthy weight calculator to work out your BMI
• you previously had a baby who weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth
• you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• 1 of your parents or siblings has diabetes
• you are of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin (even if you were born in the UK)
• you have had a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery

If any of these apply to you, you should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

Diagnosis

During your first antenatal appointment at around week 8 to 12 of your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor should ask you some questions to determine whether you're at an increased risk of gestational diabetes.

If you have 1 or more risk factors for gestational diabetes you should be offered a screening test.

The screening test is called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which takes about 2 hours.

It involves having a blood test in the morning, when you have not had any food or drink for 8 to 10 hours (though you can usually drink water, but check with the hospital if you're unsure). You're then given a glucose drink. 

After resting for 2 hours, another blood sample is taken to see how your body is dealing with the glucose.

The OGTT is done when you're between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. If you've had gestational diabetes before, you'll be offered an OGTT earlier in your pregnancy, soon after your booking appointment, then another OGTT at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal.

Treatment Options

If you have gestational diabetes, the chances of having problems with your pregnancy can be reduced by controlling your blood sugar levels.

You'll be given a blood sugar testing kit so you can monitor the effects of treatment.

Blood sugar levels may be reduced by changing your diet and being more active if you can. Gentle activities such as walking, swimming and prenatal yoga can help reduce blood sugar. But tell your midwife or doctor before starting an activity you haven’t done before.

However, if these changes don't lower your blood sugar levels enough, you will need to take medicine as well. This may be tablets or insulin injections.

You'll also be more closely monitored during your pregnancy and birth to check for any potential problems.

If you have gestational diabetes, it's best to give birth before 41 weeks. Induction of labour or a caesarean section may be recommended if labour does not start naturally by this time.

Earlier delivery may be recommended if there are concerns about your or your baby's health or if your blood sugar levels have not been well controlled.

Long-term effects of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes normally goes away after birth. But women who've had it are more likely to develop:

• gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies
• type 2 diabetes – a lifelong type of diabetes

You should have a blood test to check for diabetes 6 to 13 weeks after giving birth, and once every year after that if the result is normal.

See your GP if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, needing to pee more often than usual, and a dry mouth – do not wait until your next test. 

You should have the tests even if you feel well, as many people with diabetes do not have any symptoms.

You'll also be advised about things you can do to reduce your risk of getting diabetes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Some research has suggested that babies of mothers who had gestational diabetes may be more likely to develop diabetes or become obese later in life.

When To See A Doctor

If you've had gestational diabetes before and you're planning to get pregnant, make sure you get checked for diabetes.your GP may be able to arrange this

If you do have diabetes, you should be referred to a clinic for support to ensure your condition is well controlled before you get pregnant.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy, talk to your GP and tell them you had gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy.

If tests show you do not have diabetes, you may be offered screening earlier in pregnancy and another test at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal.

Alternatively, your midwife or doctor may suggest you test your blood sugar levels yourself using a finger-pricking device in the same way as you did during your previous gestational diabetes.