Pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes, when appropriately diagnosed and well managed, usually results in a normal delivery with no effects on the mother's or the child's long-term health. However, poorly controlled blood glucose levels during pregnancy can have long-term effects for mother and baby, as well as complications during delivery.

You can have a healthy pregnancy and a good outcome with planning, care from a range of health professionals and excellent control of blood glucose levels.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (sometimes referred to as GDM) is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. Between 12 and 14% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy; however, some may be earlier.

While maternal blood glucose levels usually return to normal after the birth of the baby, there is a known increased risk for type 2 diabetes in the mother in the future. Your child may also be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

For more information on pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy and gestational diabetes, visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.