Many people with gestational diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms at all — which is why routine screening is so important. When gestational diabetes symptoms do appear, they can include increased thirst, more frequent urination than typical pregnancy, unusual fatigue, and occasionally blurry vision. Because these signs overlap with normal pregnancy experiences, they're easy to dismiss. The good news: your midwife or OB/GYN will screen you for GD between weeks 24–28, so it rarely goes undetected.

Several gestational diabetes risk factors are well established. You may have a higher chance of developing GD if you have a BMI above 25 before pregnancy, are over 35 years old, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, have had GD in a previous pregnancy, have been diagnosed with PCOS, are carrying twins or multiples, or belong to certain ethnic groups including South Asian, East Asian, Hispanic, African American, and Middle Eastern backgrounds. Having one or more of these factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop GD — it just means your provider will want to keep a closer eye.

Gestational diabetes most commonly develops in the second trimester, around weeks 24–28, which is why routine screening is scheduled during that window. However, in people with multiple high-risk factors — such as a history of GD, PCOS, or a high pre-pregnancy BMI — GD can sometimes develop or be identified earlier, in the first trimester. If your provider considers you high-risk, they may offer an early glucose test at your first prenatal appointment or around 12–16 weeks.

When gestational diabetes is identified and managed, most pregnancies go beautifully. If left unmanaged, GD can lead to the baby growing larger than average (macrosomia), which can complicate delivery. There's also a higher chance of premature birth, low blood sugar in the newborn after birth, and a slightly increased risk of the baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life. For the birthing parent, unmanaged GD raises the chance of needing a cesarean section and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. The encouraging part: with the right monitoring, diet, and sometimes medication, these risks are greatly reduced.

While you can't always prevent gestational diabetes — especially when genetic or ethnic risk factors are involved — there are steps that meaningfully reduce risk. Reaching a healthy weight before conception, staying active during pregnancy with low-impact exercise (like walking or swimming), and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined sugars all support healthy blood sugar regulation. If you're planning a pregnancy, discussing your risk factors with your doctor beforehand is one of the most empowering things you can do. Remember, taking this quiz is already a step in the right direction. 💚