04Apr2025D For new mum Rihanna, the joy of pregnancy came with an unexpected challenge. When she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes m... For new mum Rihanna, the joy of pregnancy came with an unexpected challenge. When she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during her pregnancy with baby Lawrie, she was shocked. "The test itself was uncomfortable. You have to fast overnight before heading to pathology for an initial blood test. Then, you're given a sugary drink, and your blood is tested again after one and two hours. It made me feel sick, not just that day but the next as well. "Then when I was told that I had GDM at a following appointment I almost fell off my chair," Rihanna said. "It was the last thing I expected." From that moment, Rihanna’s pregnancy journey changed dramatically. Following her diagnosis, she attended a two-hour seminar where she received information on how to manage her condition – how to read and understand food labels, how to follow a strict diet, and how to incorporate exercise into her routine. Monitoring her blood sugar became a daily commitment, requiring finger-prick tests four times a day. If her sugar levels spiked, it was advised that she go for a walk or engage in exercise to bring them down. Rihanna had to overhaul her diet, ensuring every meal fit within strict carbohydrate guidelines. This meant eating out and socialising became a challenge, and she had to study menus beforehand to find suitable options. On top of these lifestyle changes, Rihanna faced additional medical appointments, including extra growth scans and doctor visits to monitor Lawrie’s development - because GDM can lead to your baby being oversized or undersized. "For a period of time, my appointments doubled, which was really tricky as I was working full-time. It really was a lot to take on," she said. Beyond the physical demands, Rihanna also carried a huge emotional burden. "At the seminar, you learn about the risks to you and your baby, and that creates fear for both your health and your baby’s health. I felt like I didn’t fully understand the risks, even though I did a lot of my own research. "I also felt guilty at times. If you don’t get your levels right, you think, 'What have I done to my baby? What impact is this going to have?'. “I was also worried about needing an induction of labour because of the GDM, which was an extra layer of concern for me." For Rihanna, the constant monitoring, planning, researching, and worry created a significant mental load that was difficult to manage. This was on top of all the usual challenges of being pregnant. During her pregnancy, Rihanna participated in another research study that provided her with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Unlike traditional finger-prick tests, this device offered real-time data on her sugar levels, allowing her to make more informed dietary decisions. "The CGM was a game changer, you get better data of what your sugars are throughout the day, so you can make better decisions about your diet. It’s a tool for you to keep your sugars in a better range which then improves the health outcomes for you and your baby. And it does make life easier.” Unfortunately, CGMs are not commonly available for women with GDM. Under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), only those with type 1 diabetes receive subsidised access to these devices. For others, the cost can be prohibitive. Baby Lawrie was born on 8 September 2024 at 41 weeks and 3 days. He was born with low blood sugar, requiring multiple heel-prick tests and prescribed formula for the first three days, which disrupted Rihanna’s breastfeeding journey, but from the very early days Lawrie has thrived. Today, he is a happy and healthy six-month-old. Both Lawrie and Rihanna are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life due to Rihanna having had GDM during pregnancy, something which Rihanna says will always be at the back of her mind. Reflecting on her experience, Rihanna sees several areas where support and care for women with GDM could be improved, which is why she chose to participate in The SWEET Mum + Baby Study. In addition to providing all women with GDM with a continuous glucose monitor, she believes another key improvement would be a dedicated app. "At the seminar, you’re given pieces of paper that essentially become your bible for managing GDM. But if you had all that information in an app, it would be a game-changer," she said. “The app could help women calculate their carbohydrate intake, build meals, access educational resources, and find answers to frequently asked questions - all in one place” Rihanna hopes this research study will improve the care and outcomes for women with GDM and their newborns. "We know that GDM affects the short-term and long-term health and wellbeing of both mothers and babies. This research is a major step forward in preventative health, enhancing both care and outcomes. “It will lead to a brighter future for both mothers who are diagnosed with GDM and their babies, and this is why I chose to take part.” SHARE < Back To Listing