Your age, ethnicity, weight, and medical history all factor into your risk for developing gestational diabetes. You are considered at an increased risk for gestational diabetes if any one or more of the following risk factors apply:

• You belong to certain high-risk ethnic groups, including Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

• You're overweight (as defined by a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher).

• You have a first-degree relative with diabetes.

• You're over age 25.

• You have a history of GDM or prediabetes.

• You have a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

• In a past pregnancy, you have had a baby weighing nine pounds or more.

If you don't have any of these risk factors, your doctor may give you the option to forego testing for GDM.