What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes?

Screening for gestational diabetes

Whilst there are a number of symptoms associated with gestational diabetes, the condition can present itself without any known symptoms. As a result, medical professionals should follow screening tests and where this does not occur and gestational diabetes is developed with further complications to either mother or baby, it may be appropriate to seek compensation for gestational diabetes.

Screening for gestational diabetes is also imperative as many of the symptoms can easily be mistaken for pregnancy on a more general level.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes include:

• Dry mouth and constant thirst
• Strong cravings
• Tiredness
• Needing to urinate more frequently than usual

At your first antenatal appointment, usually, during weeks 8 to 12 of pregnancy, your midwife or doctor should ask some questions to assess your risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Depending on the answers to these questions, you may be offered a screening test called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This is usually completed later in the pregnancy, during weeks 24 to 28 and involves two blood tests. The first is a fasting blood test, where you are not able to eat or drink for a certain duration prior to the test. A glucose drink is then given, and a subsequent blood test is taken.

This screening test is imperative in identifying those with gestational diabetes and in making the most suitable medical plans accordingly. If a medical professional fails to perform this test, despite known risk factors, and if complications arise as a result, you may be able to seek gestational diabetes compensation.