How necessary is the gestational diabetes test?

[kyliealysha]

I don't think the risk factors apply, as GD is primarily due to hormonal reasons. My team leader is stick thin and she got it during her pregnancy. I wouldn't be risking it, but it's your choice.

[sasha]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did a little internet research and the sites (as usual when you're looking for some health related information!) range from "scarey-do-not-ever-skip-this- test-or-you-and-your-baby-will-die-horribly" [please note hyperbole here!!] to "you'll be fine, don't worry too much about it". I didn't do the Group B Strep test with S because I didn't want to be fed antibiotics when he was born, and the info about Group B is equally as disturbing, so I refuse to be too terrified!

From the articles I've read, including a recent study in the MJA, nobody really knows what causes it, and the risks are very low. I'm going to chat to the midwives who are generally very keen to talk over these things.