Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and goes away after the baby is born. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common during the second or third trimester.
Anyone can develop gestational diabetes and there are some factors that increase our risk:
- A family history of gestational diabetes
- Having a first degree relative with diabetes
- A family origin of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, Middle Eastern
- Having a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30
- Previously given birth to a baby weighing over 4.5kg (10lbs) or above the 90th centile
Being at risk does not mean you will develop gestational diabetes. And most pregnancies with gestational diabetes are healthy and have healthy babies.
If gestational diabetes is not diagnosed, or well-controlled, it can lead to complications during pregnancy and birth. Making changes to diet and activity levels, alongside any prescribed medications will help manage gestational diabetes and support a healthy pregnancy.
If you have gestational diabetes:
Your midwife will support you and you will have access to the NHS Grampian online programme to increase knowledge, understanding and how to manage gestational diabetes.
Following this, we can support you to make the changes that are important to you. If you would like some support, please complete our referral form: Healthy Shetland Referral Form.