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Gestational diabetes

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You may be at higher risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) if you:

  • are overweight
  • have had diabetes in pregnancy before
  • have had a baby weighing 4.5kg (9.9lb) or more before
  • have a close relative with diabetes
  • have a south Asian, black or African Caribbean, or Middle Eastern family background

If you're considered to be at high risk for gestational diabetes, you may be offered a test called the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). This involves drinking a sugary drink and having blood tests.

The OGTT is done when you're between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. If you've had gestational diabetes before, you'll be offered:

  • early self monitoring of blood glucose levels, or
  • an OGTT earlier in pregnancy, soon after your booking visit, and another at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal

Learn more:

by Phuong Le