gestational diabetes (gdm)
Understanding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and what it can mean for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum, can be a minefield. So let’s work it all out together!
Whether you’ve been told you’re at higher risk of developing GDM and wondering what that even means, you’ve been referred for a test or you’ve received a GDM diagnosis. The resources below will help you make sense of it all so you feel informed enough to keep up!
If GDM is shaping your pregnancy care, discussions around your birth or postpartum, we’ll also work through all of that below so you can feel confident navigating it all.
start here
Before diving in, I’d encourage you to watch this short video for guidance on how to approach this section and an important reminder that whilst GDM can feel like a huge turning point in pregnancy, it’s only one part of your overall pregnancy. Everything else remains important too.
explore the resources
Use the resources below to gain a better understanding of GDM including testing, diagnosis and common pregnancy, birth and postpartum recommendations. Get doula guidance in navigating it all confidently and safely without losing everything that matters most to you.
DECIDIDING WHETER TO HAVE A GDM TEST
Understand why GDM tests are commonly offered, the different types of test available and what they involve, and some consideration when deciding whether to have GDM test.
questions to ask when deciding about gdm testing
Whilst referrals for GDM testing can sound like a forgone conclusion inside NHS maternity care, it remains your choice whether you accept it or not. Here’s some questions you can ask when making that decision.
gdm testing at a glance
A brief overview of the key points when considering gestational diabetes including the most common test and alternative methods.
understanding foetal weight estimates
Understand how your baby’s estimated weight is calculated during pregnancy and what’s important when interpreting results.
understanding gdm
Understand what gestational diabetes actually is so you know what questions to ask, how to navigate changes in your care and make decisions with confidence.
understanding your gdm diagnosis
Understand how GDM is diagnosed so you can better understand it in the context of your pregnancy and build a bigger clinical picture on which to base your decisions.
what to expect during pregnancy after a gdm diagnosis
Understand the changes you’re likely to see in your maternity care after a GDM diagnosis, why certain recommendation appear, and what to expect going forwards.
your gdm diagnosis at a glance
A quick reference guide to understand the general guidelines for diagnosing GDM, space to record your diagnosis, ongoing blood sugar monitoring and useful questions you can ask your caregiver.
how gdm may influence birth
Understand why a GDM diagnosis can influence discussions about birth, what factors your midwife/consultant may consider and how to approach conversations with confidence.
questions to ask as birth approaches
A quick reference guide to some helpful questions to support conversations about your birth after a GDM diagnosis.
the first few days after birth
An overview of what you can expect in the first few days after birth following a pregnancy affected by GDM, including your baby’s suggested care.
gdm specific evidence based resources and further reading
A curated collection of trusted evidence-based resources to help you explore GDM in more depth.