Pregnancy diabetes affects as many as one in 20 mums-to-be. But, while it can sound scary, with close monitoring, a healthy diet and treatment if necessary, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

What is pregnancy diabetes?

The medical term is gestational diabetes mellitus and it’s most common in the middle and later months of pregnancy. ‘Pregnancy hormones affect the action of insulin on the body, so it needs to produce more to ensure blood sugar continues to be broken down to be used as energy. If the body can’t produce enough insulin, gestational diabetes occurs,’ explains Kerry Stubbington, a specialist diabetes midwife at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. ‘If this happens, your blood sugar levels rise and these sugars pass to your baby, meaning he will grow particularly large.

Who is most at risk?

It’s more common in women who are obese, have had diabetes in a previous pregnancy, have already had a large baby, or have a diabetic parent or sibling. Women from a non-white background are at increased risk, too. The latest guidelines say that women at higher risk should be tested at the outset of pregnancy.

How will I know if I have it?

It’s usually picked up through the tests your midwife does at your antenatal checks, so make sure you attend all your appointments. Your urine will be tested and if sugar is detected, your midwife may suggest a blood glucose test. If the result is high, you’ll be referred for a glucose tolerance test. Some women notice they need the loo more often, or feel constantly thirsty and tired, but these are also common in a normal pregnancy.

How will it affect my baby?

‘The main risk is it can cause your baby to grow very big,’ says Sooi Mai Jones, a diabetes midwife at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. This can cause problems at birth, so you may be induced early. Your baby may need additional feeding after birth too, as he will be used to a constant supply of sugar that is no longer available after he’s born, so his glucose levels drop.

How can I prevent/control it?

A US study found that women who exercised regularly before getting pregnant were less likely to get it. Another study found mums who didn’t shed their baby weight were more likely to have diabetes in their second pregnancy, even if they hadn’t had it before. ‘Eat a healthy diet and aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day,’ says Kerry. ‘If you have pregnancy diabetes, cut out junk food from your diet, reduce your sugar intake and go for wholegrain foods. Eating little and often keeps blood sugar steady and you’ll need to test your blood sugar during the day with a blood sugar monitor. If it can’t be controlled by diet, insulin injections will be necessary.’

Will I always have it?

In nine out of 10 cases it goes away after the birth,’ says midwife Kerry. ‘But there’s more chance of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.’ You’re also more likely to be affected in future pregnancies.

'The diabetes went after the birth'

‘I had diabetes while pregnant with my first two children, so when I fell pregnant with Jessica it was no surprise when I got it again. Although I followed a strict diet and hadn’t put on much weight, it was difficult to control my sugar levels. However, insulin injections weren’t an option for me as my blood sugar levels varied so much. I had more check-ups and scans than normal and was induced on my due date, as it was risky to let her get too big. Fortunately, Jessica weighed 8lb 14oz and was perfect. The diabetes went straightaway but I have a 75% risk of getting Type 2 diabetes in the future.’ Emma Farr, 33, from Winsford, Cheshire, mum to Jessica, 6 months, William, 12, and Stephanie, 16

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