Tommy's PregnancyHub

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms. Most women only find out that they have it when they are tested for the condition.

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms. Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for gestational diabetes. Your midwife will talk to you about the risk factors for gestational diabetes at your booking appointment. They will organise a pregnancy diabetes test if they think you’re at risk.

"I wasn’t obviously skinny, but I wasn’t massively obese either… I had no symptoms whatsoever. I had no expectation that the test would be anything other than a formality."

Beth

Some women may develop symptoms if their blood glucose levels get high. These include:

  • going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
  • being really thirsty
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • losing weight without trying to
  • general itching or thrush.

Some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy so may not be a sign of gestational diabetes. But it is best to find out as soon as possible. Tell your midwife or GP if you have any concerns.

Try to remember that if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, careful management can reduce the risk of any complications.

NHS Choices. Gestational Diabetes https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/ (Page last reviewed: 06/08/2019. Next review due: 06/08/2022)

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2013) Gestational Diabetes. https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-gestational-diabetes.pdf

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Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020
Next review: 23 July, 2023