Gestational diabetes: test, daily life and after birth
A common diagnosis that usually goes away after birth, and one where what you do every day makes a real difference.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that first appears in pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. It affects 5% to 9% of US pregnancies and rarely causes symptoms, which is why screening happens between 24 and 28 weeks. Regular meals, daily activity and, for some, medicine keep blood sugar on target. A follow-up test after birth is essential.
What gestational diabetes is
During pregnancy your body needs more insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The NHS explains that gestational diabetes develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet those extra needs. The CDC says it affects 5% to 9% of US pregnancies each year.
It usually causes no symptoms, which is why screening exists. Some people notice increased thirst, needing to pee more often or a dry mouth, but these are common in pregnancy anyway.
Who is at higher risk
| Risk factor | NHS | ACOG |
|---|---|---|
| BMI above 30, or overweight | Yes | Yes |
| Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy | Yes | Yes |
| Previous baby weighing 4.5 kg (10 lb) or more | Yes | 9 lb or more |
| A parent or sibling with diabetes | Yes | |
| South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin | Yes | |
| Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | Yes |
ACOG adds that gestational diabetes can also develop in women with no risk factors.
How the test works
| United States (ACOG) | England (NHS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | All pregnant women are screened | Women with 1 or more risk factors are offered a test |
| When | 24 to 28 weeks; earlier if you have risk factors | 24 to 28 weeks; soon after booking too if you had it before |
| Test | Drink a sugar solution, blood taken 1 hour later; if high, a longer confirmation test | Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): morning blood test after 8 to 10 hours without food, a glucose drink, a second sample after 2 hours |
Why treatment matters
The HAPO study, which followed 25,505 pregnancies in nine countries, found that higher blood sugar in the mother, even below the threshold for diabetes, was linked step by step with higher birth weight. Treatment works: in the ACHOIS trial of 1,000 women with gestational diabetes, serious complications for babies fell from 4% to 1% in the group that received dietary advice, blood sugar monitoring and insulin when needed.
The NHS lists the risks of unmanaged gestational diabetes: a larger baby and a harder birth, too much amniotic fluid, premature birth, pre-eclampsia, low blood sugar or jaundice in the newborn and, rarely, stillbirth. Good control lowers these risks.
Daily life with gestational diabetes
Eating rhythm
ACOG suggests regular meals through the day, often three meals and two to three snacks, including a small snack at night. Eating regularly avoids dips and spikes in blood sugar. Your midwife, diabetes team or a dietitian will give you a plan tailored to your results: follow theirs over any generic plan.
A practical day might look like this, with portions set by your team:
| Time | Meal |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Main meal |
| Mid-morning | Small snack |
| Lunch | Main meal, followed by a 10 to 15 minute walk |
| Mid-afternoon | Small snack |
| Dinner | Main meal, followed by a 10 to 15 minute walk |
| Evening | Small snack before bed |
Food safety rules still apply: see foods to avoid in pregnancy.
Moving every day
ACOG recommends 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise on at least 5 days a week (150 minutes), plus a 10 to 15 minute walk after each meal for better blood sugar control. The NHS mentions walking, swimming and prenatal yoga. Tell your midwife or doctor before starting a new activity. More ideas in exercise during pregnancy.
Checking your blood sugar
You will be given a meter to check your levels with a small finger-prick, and asked to keep a log to bring to each appointment. If food and activity are not enough, your team may add tablets or insulin. Expect more frequent appointments and, sometimes, extra scans or monitoring of your baby.
Is this normal? When to call
Feeling upset or guilty about the diagnosis is common, and it is not your fault. Bring your log to every appointment: your team uses it to adjust your plan. Call your diabetes team or midwife if your readings stay above your targets, and your maternity unit straight away if you notice fewer baby movements.
Printable checklist: my week with GD
For your partner
Eat the same meals, walk together after dinner and help keep the log. Gestational diabetes is easier to live with as a team.
After the birth
| Check | When |
|---|---|
| Blood test for diabetes (ACOG) | 4 to 12 weeks after birth, then every 1 to 3 years if normal |
| Blood test for diabetes (NHS) | 6 to 13 weeks after birth, then once a year if normal |
| Tell your baby's doctor | So your child's health can be followed as they grow (ACOG) |
The CDC says about half of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. A healthy weight, a balanced diet and regular activity lower that risk.
See your GP or doctor without waiting for your next test if you develop increased thirst, need to pee more often or have a dry mouth (NHS). For urgent problems in pregnancy, call your maternity unit; 999 or 911 in an emergency.
Questions parents ask
Did I cause my gestational diabetes?
No. The NHS explains that it happens when your body cannot make enough insulin to meet the extra needs of pregnancy. ACOG notes that it can also develop in women with no risk factors.
Does gestational diabetes go away after birth?
Usually, yes. But it raises your risk of type 2 diabetes later, so the NHS advises a blood test 6 to 13 weeks after birth and then once a year if normal; ACOG advises a test 4 to 12 weeks after birth.
Will I need insulin?
Many people manage with food changes and activity. If blood sugar stays too high, your team may add tablets or insulin. ACOG notes that insulin does not cross the placenta.
Can I still have a vaginal birth?
ACOG says most women with gestational diabetes can. The chance of a caesarean is higher, and the NHS advises giving birth before 41 weeks, so discuss timing with your team.
Sources
- CDC — Gestational Diabetes checked October 13, 2026
- ACOG — Gestational Diabetes checked October 13, 2026
- ACOG — Routine Tests During Pregnancy (glucose screening) checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Gestational diabetes checked October 13, 2026
- Crowther CA et al. (2005), New England Journal of Medicine — Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes, ACHOIS trial (PMID 15951574) checked October 13, 2026
- HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group (2008), New England Journal of Medicine — Hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes (PMID 18463375) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.