Gestational Diabetes Guide for Expecting Mums | Mini + Me

Gestational Diabetes: A Guide for Expecting Mums

Harriet Blannin-Ferguson

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when your body can't produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right care and management, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

To help expecting mums better understand gestational diabetes, Harriet Blannin-Ferguson from @the.breast.help, a registered midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), shares her expert knowledge on what causes it, who's at risk and how to manage it during pregnancy.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta can make your body less responsive to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. This means your body needs more insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If your pancreas can't meet this demand, it results in higher blood glucose levels. Some women may already have insulin resistance before pregnancy, making it harder for their bodies to meet the increased demand for insulin.

Gestational diabetes can develop even if you've always eaten well and stayed active, so it's important to remember that a diagnosis isn't a reflection of your lifestyle.

Who Is at Risk?

Some women have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes, including those who:

Have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Are over 40 years old
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
Are above the healthy weight range or have previously had elevated blood glucose levels
Have certain health conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Are from higher-risk ethnic backgrounds, including African, Asian or South American descent

However, gestational diabetes can also develop in women with no known risk factors. That's why routine screening during pregnancy is so important.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which is commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may be offered testing earlier if they have certain risk factors.

The test involves drinking a glucose solution and having blood samples taken before and after to see how your body processes sugar. If your blood glucose levels are above the recommended range, you may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you're not alone. Around one in seven women experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and in most cases, it can be managed effectively.

The main ways to manage gestational diabetes include:

Healthy Eating

A balanced diet plays an important role in managing blood glucose levels. Focus on choosing foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) and swapping processed snacks for healthier options. Eating regular meals with appropriate portions can also help maintain steady blood glucose levels

Regular Exercise

Moderate exercise can help manage blood glucose levels and prepare your body for labour. Activities like walking or swimming are gentle ways to stay active during pregnancy.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels is important. Typically, you'll test your levels first thing in the morning and after meals. Keeping track of your results can help you and your healthcare team make adjustments to your diet, exercise or medication as needed.

Medication or Insulin

In some cases, you may need medication or insulin injections to help manage your blood glucose levels. Your healthcare team will guide you on the right course of action.

Managing your blood glucose levels can help reduce the risk of complications, such as having a larger-than-average baby, premature birth or needing a caesarean section.

If you have any concerns or notice your levels are outside the recommended range, speak to your healthcare team for personalised advice and support.

What Happens After Birth?

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after your baby is born, but it's important to check that your blood glucose levels have returned to normal.

Your healthcare team will generally recommend a follow-up glucose tolerance test around 6–12 weeks after birth, followed by regular testing in the years ahead, as having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Your baby may also have their blood glucose levels monitored shortly after birth, as babies born to mums with gestational diabetes can sometimes experience low blood sugar. It's also important to know that your baby may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The Takeaway

Managing gestational diabetes is an important part of looking after yourself and your baby throughout pregnancy.

By eating well, staying active, monitoring your blood glucose levels and following your healthcare team's advice, you're taking positive steps towards a healthy pregnancy and delivery.