Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not often cause symptoms. Most pregnant people only find out they have it when they are tested for the condition.

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms. Most people only find out they have it when their blood sugar (glucose) levels are tested during screening for gestational diabetes.

What are the possible symptoms of gestational diabetes?

While most people don’t get symptoms, you might have symptoms if your blood sugar levels get too high. These can include:

  • needing to wee a lot, especially at night
  • being really thirsty 
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • genital itching or thrush
  • blurred eyesight

Some of these problems are common during pregnancy, so may not be a sign of gestational diabetes. But it is best to find out. Tell your midwife or GP if you are worried. 

"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

So how will I know if I have gestational diabetes?

Your midwife will talk to you about the risk factors for gestational diabetes at your first antenatal (‘booking’) appointment. They will arrange a pregnancy diabetes test if they think you’re at risk.

You may also be offered a test if any of your routine tests during pregnancy find sugar in your urine (wee), or if you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

Because most people don’t have any signs or symptoms, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can come as a shock. But you will get plenty of extra care and advice to help you manage your blood sugar levels and reduce any risks to your pregnancy.

Keep in mind that most people with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, as long as it is spotted and managed with care.

Learn more about what to expect from testing for gestational diabetes.

 

 

Diabetes UK (2023). Gestational diabetes symptoms. Available at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes/symptoms (Accessed January 2024) (Page last reviewed 30/03/2023. Next review due 30/03/2026)

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2020). Diabetes in pregnancy: management from preconception to the postnatal period. NICE guideline 3. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng3 (Accessed January 2024) (Page last reviewed 16/12/2020)

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Diabetes UK (2021). Gestational diabetes - Information for you. Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/b10mqyfw/pi-gestational-diabetes.pdf (Accessed January 2024) (Page last reviewed 09/2021)

Review dates
Reviewed: 15 February 2024
Next review: 15 February 2027

Read more about gestational diabetes

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