When you have gestational diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy and a condition called pre-eclampsia.

After the birth, your baby may have a greater risk of low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia). This is because your baby is no longer receiving extra glucose from you, but they continue to make extra insulin, causing their blood glucose levels to drop.

If blood glucose levels are high during pregnancy, excess glucose passes through the placenta to your baby, who then makes extra insulin. This can make the baby grow too big, which can cause problems during labour and increase the risk of early delivery or the need for a Caesarean section.

Looking after gestational diabetes is a team effort. There are health professionals who can support you to manage gestational diabetes. Helping your partner, family and friends to understand gestational diabetes means they can support you too.

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes may come as a shock. You may feel worried, uncertain or overwhelmed Looking after your emotional wellbeing is as important as looking after your physical health. There is support available.

Some women may need medication to help manage gestational diabetes. This just means that your body needs some extra help to keep blood glucose levels in the target range.

Being active can help to keep your blood glucose levels in the target range, manage pregnancy weight gain and keep you fit to prepare for the birth of your baby.

Healthy eating provides nutrition for you and your growing baby. The right balance of healthy foods can also help keep your blood glucose levels in the target range and help with a healthy pregnancy weight gain.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels helps you to manage gestational diabetes. Your health professionals will support you to get started, give you advice on when to check and target blood glucose levels.