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:

• Places to deliver your baby
• High-risk pregnancy
• Ultrasound scans in pregnancy
• Blood type and rhesus test
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Blood tests and scans
• Blood pressure tests
• Antenatal urine tests
• Weight and height checks in pregnancy