Welcome to pregnancy week 24 mummy! Hopefully you are keeping those pelvic exercises that we shared in week 23 going!

At your next doctor's visit, your doctor may request that you undergo a glucose test to check for a condition called gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) is surprisingly common and it occurs when the body doesn't produce sufficient insulin to digest sugar. This results in elevated blood sugar levels.

Are you at risk of gestational diabetes?

The following groups of women may need to undergo gestational diabetes testing if:

1. You’re above 35 years
2. Persistently have glucose in the urine
3. Are obese
4. Are on long-term steroids
5. Have a family history of diabetes
6. Have had diabetes during previous pregnancies
7. Have a history of unexplained stillbirth or miscarriages
8. Your baby is suspected to be larger than expected for its gestational age

How is gestational diabetes tested?

Testing for gestational diabetes entails drinking a sweet liquid after a night of fasting followed by blood tests which assess your sugar levels at various checkpoints.

If diagnosed, your doctor will discuss how to control your blood sugar levels (it doesn't always involve insulin injections) and also monitor the wellbeing of both you and your baby to minimise risk to both.

Food tip: Preventing gestational diabetes

Women with gestational diabetes should avoid excessively sweet foods. Examples include:

1. Sugar
2. Desserts
3. Chocolate
4. Sweet sauces e.g. ketchup

Good sugar control can often eliminate the need for insulin injections during pregnancy.​

You’re looking great at pregnancy week 24!

By week 24, the tip of your uterus is above your belly button and is approximately the size of a soccer ball. Imagine that! You look pregnant and have the famous “pregnancy glow”. This attractive blush is due to increased blood volume and circulation under your skin.

Be kind to yourself

Don't despair if the weighing scale is getting increasingly scary to step on. You're carrying the weight of two human beings. So long as you are adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet, you'll be able to lose those extra kilos in a flash and return to your pre-pregnancy state rapidly.

A note about Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labour pains that do not cause the opening of the cervix. Refer to pregnancy week 28 for details about how to tell them apart from actual contractions.

Ref: L20

Click the link for the complete listing of articles for Pregnancy Week 1 - Week 40.