Gestational diabetes – advice and what to do
Gestational diabetes affects many mothers-to-be. Find out more about the symptoms and risks and what happens to blood sugar levels after the birth.
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Short and simple
Gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes is common.
This is when the pregnant woman has too much sugar in her blood.
There is a test for this condition.
Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise help.
Blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the birth.
What happens in gestational diabetes?
Risk factors for gestational diabetes
- Mother’s age over 35
- Previous operation to reduce stomach size (bariatric surgery)
- Obesity (BMI > 30) before the pregnancy
- Diabetes in the family (parents or siblings)
- History of gestational diabetes
- Previous delivery of a baby with a birth weight of over 4,000 grams
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, a hormonal disorder in women)
How to recognise gestational diabetes
In general, gestational diabetes does not cause any symptoms. Typical diabetes symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination are absent. Often, non-specific symptoms like more frequent urinary tract infections, elevated blood pressure and increased quantities of amniotic fluid are the first indications of gestational diabetes.
Diagnosis via glucose tolerance test
Experts recommend testing women for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. A glucose test during pregnancy is conducted earlier if certain risk factors, such as obesity, are present. This test generally takes place in two stages:
- First, your fasting blood glucose level (i.e. after not eating anything for a certain time) is measured. If the result is within a certain range, a glucose tolerance test is carried out to make a definitive diagnosis
- For the glucose tolerance test, the mother-to-be drinks a sugary drink and her blood glucose levels are measured multiple times over a certain period. If the blood glucose levels are too high, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made..
Consequences for mother and child
Gestational diabetes is a health risk for both the mother and the unborn child. This diagnosis turns a normal pregnancy into a high-risk one. If optimal blood sugar levels during pregnancy are not achieved, the risk of the following increases:
- Pre-term birth
- High birth weight in the child, which can make the birth more difficult
- Type 2 diabetes in the mother
- High blood pressure during the pregnancy
How is gestational diabetes treated?
Tips on nutrition during gestational diabetes
Tips on nutrition during gestational diabetes - Eat at least three portions of seasonal vegetables every day (one portion equals a handful).
- Give preference to wholegrain products.
- Only consume sweets in small quantities.
- Eat four to five smaller meals spread over the course of the day.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of drinks containing sugar.
Where to find support from experts
- Qualified nutritionists (BSc) (available in German and French)
- Specialist diabetes advisors (available in German, French and Italian)
Hospitals also offer advice on nutrition and diabetes.
Which benefits are covered by your health insurance for maternity?
