Gestational Diabetes
At Peek A Baby, we understand that all pregnancies are different for all women, and sometimes they can come with their own unexpected challenges and difficulties.
Gestational Diabetes is a condition that women have a chance of developing during their pregnancy if not treated or spotted. At Peek A Baby, we are here to support you and help you understand things at the start of your journey in the best way we can.
Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. This can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in the second or third trimester. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels, to meet your extra needs in pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby during pregnancy and after birth. But the risks can be reduced if the condition is detected early and well managed. It will usually go away again after giving birth, however if you are experiencing symptoms, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
What are the Signs for Gestational Diabetes?
At Peek A Baby, it’s very important to us that this condition is taken very seriously, please read the following information carefully.
Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but the risk is increased 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.
You should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy if any of these apply to you.
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Early Detection & Peace of Mind
Seeking an ultrasound scan early when you are displaying signs or symptoms of possible pregnancy is important to help you understand and process the changes within your body.
With clear ultrasound imaging, the gestational sac can be visualised, and the presence of an embryo determined.
Early pregnancy scans from Peek A Baby help give you peace of mind. If the outcome is not what you expect, our team can help support you and guide you in the right direction for further support during this emotional time.
Symptoms of Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms.
Most cases are only discovered when your bloody 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.
Can Gestational Diabetes affect my pregnancy?
Most women with gestational diabetes have otherwise normal pregnancies with healthy babies. However, unfortunately gestational diabetes can cause problems such as:
- Your baby growing larger than usual, this may lead to difficulties during the delivery and increases the likelihood of needing induced labour or a caesarean section.
- Polyhydramnios – too much amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby) in the womb, which can cause premature labour or problems at delivery.
- Premature birth – giving birth before the 37th week of pregnancy
- Pre-Eclampsia – a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can lead to pregnancy complications if not treated
- Your baby developing low blood sugar or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) after he or she is born, which may require treatment in hospital
- The loss of your baby (stillbirth) – though this is rare.
Having gestational diabetes also means you’re at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Treatment for Gestational Diabetes
If you do have Gestational Diabetes, the chances of having problems with your pregnancy can be reduced by carefully controlling your blood sugar levels.
You can get a blood sugar testing kit so you can keep an eye on the effects of treatment
The best way to control your blood sugar levels is to change your diet and do your best to be more active. Simple and gentle activities such as walking, swimming and prenatal yoga can help reduce blood sugar. But make sure to let your midwife or doctor know before staring an activity you haven’t done before.
However, if this change of lifestyle doesn’t lower your blood sugar enough, then you may need to take medicine alongside it. This could come in the form of tablets or insulin injections
To make sure there isn’t any potential problems, you will be monitored during your pregnancy and birth.
At Peek A Baby, we understand that every pregnancy is unique, and sometimes it may come with unexpected challenges such as gestational diabetes. While this condition can feel worrying, the good news is that with early detection, the right care, and a few lifestyle adjustments, it can be effectively managed to support a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Our team is here to guide and support you throughout this journey, from understanding the condition to helping you make informed decisions for your wellbeing. If you have any concerns or experience any symptoms, please don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or midwife.
FAQs for Gestational Diabetes
It affects about 2-10% of pregnancies, though rates vary depending on the population and risk factors
Most women are screened between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy using a glucose challenge test or oral glucose tolerance test.
In most cases, blood sugar returns to normal after delivery. However, women who had GDM have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
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