Diabetes happens when too much glucose (sugar) stays in the blood instead of being used for energy. When diabetes develops in pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. It is one of the most common medical conditions in pregnancy. 

Why does it happen in pregnancy? Your placenta makes new pregnancy hormones that can prevent insulin from working normally. This causes increased insulin resistance and blood glucose is not kept at the normal levels.

If you have any risk factors of gestational diabetes you will be offered a screening test. Routine screening for gestational diabetes is usually done between weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy.

Read more about the risk factors of developing GD and what this screening test involves our blog here ????

Ways to prevent or manage GD:

• Keep active Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga or dancing helps keep your blood glucose in balance.

• Eat healthy food Choose a good balanced diet with a variety of nutrias foods. Cutting down on high fat and high sugar foods helps keep your weight healthy and lowers your risk of gestational diabetes.

• Maintain a healthy weight We know this is not always easy. Most will gain about 1lb a week during the second and third trimester depending on your pre-pregnancy 

Remember you are the expert on your individual body. Many people manage their GD through a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) If you have any concerns about you or your baby you can speak to your care provider and come up with a plan