Obesity or Overweight

Studies found that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 (classified as overweight) are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. If your BMI is over 30, you are at an even greater risk.

Gestational Diabetes in a Previous Pregnancy

If you had gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy, this puts you at risk for developing the condition again.

Age

Being older than 35 may increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

Family History of Diabetes

If you have a first-degree relative (parents, siblings) with diabetes, your risk of gestational diabetes is increased.

Race

You may be at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes if you are:

• Hispanic American
• Native American
• Asian American
• African American
• Pacific Islander

Previous Delivery of a Large Baby

If you delivered a baby who was excessively large at birth (called macrosomia), this increases your chance of gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy.

Other Risk Factors

• Having a history of glucose intolerance
• Having a history of polycystic ovary syndrome
• Being pregnant with more than one fetus (multiple gestation)
• Gaining weight rapidly during pregnancy
• Sleep-disordered breathing—abnormal breathing during sleep ranging from snoring to sleep apnea
• Having risk factors related to childbirth, such, having a previous stillbirth, having a child with a birth defect, having too much amniotic fluid surrounding baby during pregnancy