Gestational Diabetes Symptoms: Advice for Expecting Mothers in Ireland

Pregnancy is often filled with joy and anticipation, but it can also come with certain health challenges that need careful attention. One common concern is gestational diabetes, which impacts as many as 10% of pregnancies globally.

While gestational diabetes is usually temporary and resolves after birth, early detection is critical. Early detection of gestational diabetes symptoms plays a key role in preventing health issues for you and your baby. In this article, we explain what gestational diabetes is, what symptoms to look out for, and how you can manage it with the support of medical professionals.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to diabetes that arises during pregnancy, most often in the later stages— typically in the second or third trimester. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin—the hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose)—to meet the extra demands of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise. It can lead to health complications if it's not properly managed. Although the condition usually goes away after childbirth, it raises the likelihood that the mother will develop type 2 diabetes in the future. In addition, children born to mothers with gestational diabetes may face a higher likelihood of health issues later in life, such as obesity and diabetes.

What Is the Main Cause of Gestational Diabetes?

The cause of gestational diabetes isn't fully understood, but the primary factor is hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones such as human placental lactogen (hPL) and cortisol, which can interfere with the action of insulin in your body. This is known as insulin resistance.

As pregnancy progresses, insulin resistance naturally increases. Most women's bodies can produce enough insulin to compensate. However, if your body can't keep up, blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Certain risk factors, including obesity and family history of diabetes, make insulin resistance more likely to lead to gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms: What to Watch For

Gestational diabetes can develop without clear symptoms, which is why routine screening is important during pregnancy. Some women may experience warning signs such as:

Increased Thirst
Frequent Urination
Fatigue
Blurred Vision
Recurrent Infections
Nausea or Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a GP for further evaluation and testing. GP24's online doctors are available anytime to assess your symptoms and recommend the next steps.

How Early Can You Tell If You Have Gestational Diabetes?

Most women do not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages of gestational diabetes. That's why routine testing is so important. The condition is typically detected between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, when insulin resistance tends to reach its peak.

However, if you have risk factors—such as obesity, a history of gestational diabetes, or a family history of diabetes—your GP may recommend screening earlier, sometimes as soon as your first trimester.

How Do You Know If You Have Gestational Diabetes?

In Ireland, gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed with an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), typically carried out between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. Here’s what to expect:

You’ll need to fast the night before the test.
A blood sample is taken first thing in the morning to check your fasting sugar levels.
Then, you’ll be asked to drink a sweet glucose drink.
After that, your blood will be tested again—usually one and two hours later—to see how your body processes the sugar.

If your blood sugar readings come back higher than expected, your GP will make a diagnosis and discuss the next steps to manage the condition safely.

Why Gestational Diabetes Requires Prompt Attention

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to complications, including:

Macrosomia (a large baby, over 4kg), increasing the risk of C-section or birth trauma
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Premature birth
Low blood sugar in the baby following birth
Increased risk of stillbirth in rare cases

Fortunately, with proper care and monitoring, majority of women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming but try not to worry. With the right support and some simple lifestyle adjustments, it’s a condition that’s usually very manageable.

1. Blood Sugar Monitoring

Your doctor may recommend regular checking of your blood sugar levels. These checks help you understand how your body is managing blood sugar and can highlight when changes to your meals, activity levels, or medication might be needed.

2. Eating Well

Your healthcare provider may recommend a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, focusing on foods that release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly. This includes whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Cutting back on processed foods, sweets, and sugary drinks is also important. Having small meals more regularly during the day can help to keep better control of your blood sugar levels.

3. Exercise

Regular exercise such as swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Always consult your GP before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy.

4. Medication

If you’re unable to keep blood sugar levels in check through lifestyle alone, medication such as insulin or tablets may be prescribed. These are safe during pregnancy and can help prevent complications.

After Birth: What Happens Next?

In most cases gestational diabetes resolves shortly after giving birth. Your blood sugar will be tested within 6–12 weeks postpartum to ensure it has returned to normal.

Women who have had gestational diabetes face roughly a 50% risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the following 5 to 10 years. It's important to:

Maintain a healthy diet and weight
Stay physically active
Have regular blood glucose checks with your GP

Your child may also benefit from a healthy lifestyle to reduce their future risk.

When to Contact a GP

If you're pregnant and experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or blurred vision, or if you have any risk factors for gestational diabetes, it's time to speak to a doctor.