Article
16 February, 2023
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It is more common in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Blood sugar levels can shoot up even without a history of diabetes. Some people are at greater risk than others , and screening is offered for the following:
If you have any of the risk factors you should be offered screening between 24 and 28 weeks. It may be earlier if you have had it before. This is a simple blood test, known as a glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) introduced guidelines in 2015.
You can often be asymptomatic, but the following may indicate hyperglycaemia ( high blood sugar):
It is estimated to affect around 4%-5% of pregnant women in the UK and has become more common as rates of obesity increase.
How well the blood sugar is controlled may determine when the infant is born, but it is usually before 41 weeks.
Through diet as far as possible, but also exercise medication and insulin.
Extra antenatal appointments to include:
The International Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology published a study online in March 2019 which found that women who have gestational diabetes but go undiagnosed are four times more likely to experience stillbirth than those without the condition. The study was funded by charities Action Medical Research, Cure Kids, Sands and Tommy's and involved pregnant women at 41 maternity units across the UK.
For more information contact Leonie Millard in our Clinical Negligence department via email or phone on 01254 770517. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.
Learn more about our Clinical Negligence department here
Get in touch to see how our experts could help you.
Monday to Friday:
09:00 to 17:00
Saturday and Sunday:
Closed