What it is
It can cause problems for the mother and baby if not managed, such as a large baby or early birth.
Healthy eating, exercise and checking blood sugar often help, and some women need tablets or insulin. It raises the chance of type 2 diabetes later, so yearly checks are advised.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Being very thirsty
- Peeing more often
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
How it is usually diagnosed
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during pregnancy
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Glucose tolerance test results
- Blood sugar diaries
- Growth scan reports
- Post-birth blood sugar checks
Questions to ask your doctor
- What blood sugar levels should I aim for?
- Will I need medicine or insulin?
- What checks do I need after the birth?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Very high or very low blood sugar readings, or the baby moving less than usual: contact your maternity unit straight away
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.