Gestational diabetes is indicated by higher than normal blood glucose levels first discovered in pregnancy. It is caused by pregnancy hormones made by your placenta and normally goes away after your baby is born.
You are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:
- have a family history of diabetes
- have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more when you become pregnant
- come from an ethnic background in which diabetes is more common
Gestational diabetes is usually treated with changes to your diet and eating habits. However, there are times when medication may still be needed.
By keeping your blood glucose levels in the target range, you reduce the likelihood of your baby growing bigger than it should. This can reduce the likelihood of complications around your labour and delivery.
Blood glucose monitoring for gestational diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, we need you to help us by monitoring your blood glucose levels.
This video demonstration by Jacquie Simpson, a Diabetes Midwife Coordinator, will help you check your blood sugar levels.
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