You may be at higher risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) if you:
- are overweight
- have had diabetes in pregnancy before
- have had a baby weighing 4.5kg (9.9lb) or more before
- have a close relative with diabetes
- have a south Asian, black or African Caribbean, or Middle Eastern family background
If you're considered to be at high risk for gestational diabetes, you may be offered a test called the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). This involves drinking a sugary drink and having a series of blood tests.
The OGTT is done when you're between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. If you've had gestational diabetes before, you'll be offered an OGTT earlier in pregnancy, soon after your booking visit, and another at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal.
The test measures how your body responds to and deals with the sugary drink. Typically, you have an initial blood test, then the drink, then a further blood test after an hour. This can be a long time waiting around, especially if you are in a hospital clinic. We can offer you this blood test at home. During the hour waiting time, your midwife can complete an antenatal check, talk about any worries or concerns you have, start to discuss your birth options and choices and anything else you want to talk about.
After the bloods are sent to the lab, results are normally back in about 5 working days.