Gestational Diabetes

[Mellington]

So, according to the NHS website, if there is a family history of 'diabetes' (but doesn't stipulate which type) you are at risk of GD and should be screened. My father has type 2, as did his father apparently.

I'm slim but have been tired for weeks and the last week or so, very thirsty (but it is hot).

My 28 week appointment is this week, will the HV test for elevated sugar routinely? I will raise it with my MW but she's the sort to laugh my concern off as something not to be of concern because I'm slim 🙄

I have a consultant appointment prior to seeing MW (for an unrelated pregnancy issue) so wonder if I should raise it then?

Yes, do. It's definitely worth mentioning and it might be nothing but it's certainly better to check. Much luck.

If you're worried get your MW to test, if they laugh off your concerns then insist they do the test and don't back down. Having a BMI over 30 is an added risk factor for GD, but plenty of people with BMIs under 30 have GD. The test is unpleasant but it'll stop you worrying, and worrying is not good for you or baby!

The midwife I saw at my booking appointment was a locum filling in and told me I'd definitely need the test as my grandmother had type 2 diabetes. My usual midwife who I've had since then was really surprised I'd been told this (I was worried at my 31 week appointment that I hadn't had it but had been expecting it). She said unless it was type 1 and/or I had sugar in my urine samples there was no need for it whatsoever. (I'm also slim built if that helps OP... or was before pregnancy!) Talk to your midwife if you're worried but I suspect as it's type 2 unless you start to show signs they won't put you through the test. To be honest I was relieved as it doesn't sound too fun!

Sorry, should have made it clearer- they test for sugar in your urine which I'm assuming you have to provide every time you see the midwife? (I do!) If so they'd have already clocked if you had risk factors/signs :)