Gestational diabetes is a medical condition that affects up to 10 percent of pregnant women. It's a lot like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but it's a temporary condition that will end when the pregnancy is over. What happens it that your blood sugar becomes elevated, occasionally requiring the use of insulin injections in order to control it. This can be a dangerous situation for both you and your baby. That's why many obstetricians will do a gestational diabetes test on all their patients as a matter of course. Once diagnosed, the first step is to modify your eating habits in order to control the situation. Further diabetes treatment options might be necessary in certain circumstances.

The most common signs of gestational diabetes are excessive thirst, more frequent urination, extreme tiredness, nausea and vomiting, a tendency to develop yeast and bladder infections, and blurred vision. The problem is many women will experience these symptoms as part of their pregnancy and won't think anything of them.

Performing a gestational diabetes test is now the norm for pregnant women. The health hazards linked to uncontrolled gestational diabetes are significant enough that many obstetricians screen for the condition as part of their normal care. Most commonly, the test will be given at the expectant mother's first visit and again at around the 24 to 28 week mark. This can be followed by yet another test if the numbers come back higher than they should be.

If the pregnant woman is considered to be at low risk for developing the condition, she might be given the gestational diabetes test. This category includes women who are younger than 25, have a body mass index (BMI) lower than 27, and have no known risk factors related to personal or family history or ethnic background.

The most typical gestational diabetes test is a random blood test. First a basic screening is done, and if the results come back looking abnormal, a follow up test will be done to determine the presence of gestational diabetes.

The first test performed is called the Non-Challenge Blood Glucose Test, and usually takes place at the initial prenatal visit. It's cheap and easy, and doesn't cause any discomfort.

Somewhere between 24 to 28 weeks, the Screening Glucose Challenge Test will be performed. The pregnant woman will be asked to drink a solution containing 50 grams of glucose. One hour later, her blood levels are tested.

A further diagnostic test is known as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, which is performed following overnight fasting of approximately 8 to 14 hours. For three days prior to the test, the woman should consume her normal diet, and follow her regular fitness regime. For the test, the woman remains seated, and smoking is not allowed. She is given a solution containing glucose to drink, and blood is drawn at the start of the test and periodically throughout.