Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Typically, there are no signs of gestational diabetes. Occasionally, a woman may experience some of the more common diabetes symptoms, including but not limited to increased hunger, thirst, urination or excessive weight gain.

More commonly, a woman is found to have gestational diabetes either through routine pregnancy screening tests, particularly if she has any risk factors present in her medical history.

The most common risk factors for gestational diabetes are:

• Parent, brother or sister has diabetes.
• Member of a minority group (African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino, Pacific Islander)
• Twenty five years old or older
• Overweight
• Previously had gestational diabetes
• Previously gave birth to a baby over 9 pounds
• Previously been told she has pre-diabetes

According to the National Institute of Health, if any of the above risk factors are present, you should ask your doctor to test you for gestational diabetes.

Moreover, you are at a High Risk if you are overweight, previously had gestational diabetes, have a family history of diabetes or have glucose in your urine.

You have an Average Risk if you checked one or more of the above risk factors.