The journey of bringing a new life into the world is a truly incredible experience. No wonder, pregnancy is said to be one of the greatest joys a woman feels in her life. While the anticipation keeps the excitement high, it sometimes gets eclipsed when pregnancy-related medical concerns come to the surface.
One of such challenges pregnancy poses in the life of an expectant mother is gestational diabetes. This medical condition can complicate pregnancy, but with proper care and management, you can minimise its impact on your health and your baby’s well-being.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a health complication that develops among some women during pregnancy. It is a temporary type of diabetes caused by insulin resistance among pregnant women when the body cannot effectively convert blood sugar into energy, elevating the glucose levels. Though gestational diabetes, in most cases, resolves after childbirth, it increases the chances of the affected woman developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
The exact cause of gestational diabetes is still unknown but various factors are said to contribute to its occurrence during pregnancy. To support foetal growth by ensuring an adequate supply to the foetus, the body develops insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in blood sugar levels. Obesity before pregnancy and the history of developing gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy are additional factors that increase the chances of developing the disorder.
Managing Gestational Diabetes Effectively:
1. Regular Monitoring:
Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly is essential for the management of any type of diabetes, including gestational diabetes. For this, a glucose monitoring schedule is prescribed by the healthcare professional, as per which you check your blood sugar levels before and after meals. This helps the patient understand the impact of different activities and foods on their body.
2. Healthy Eating:
Diet plays a decisive role in blood glucose levels, so following a balanced diet is vital for managing this condition. Foods rich in fibre and complex carbohydrates help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, limit the intake of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar. It is advisable to get a gestational diabetes diet plan from a dietitian and incorporate the suggestions in your meals.
3. Regular Physical Activity:
Engaging in regular physical activity is a great way to counter insulin resistance, and develop sensitivity for better regulation of blood sugar levels. Try at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days every week. Swimming, low-impact aerobics, and prenatal yoga are considered some of the best activities for this condition. However, to prevent any complications in the pregnancy, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting a gestational diabetes exercise regimen.
4. Medication:
In cases where lifestyle modifications fail to bring desired results, medication and insulin injections may be prescribed to manage glucose levels. The healthcare provider’s prescription regarding medication dosage and administration should be followed carefully.
5. Regular Prenatal Care:
Through regular prenatal check-ups, your healthcare provider can monitor your health and your baby’s well-being. The monitoring, other than foetal growth and pregnancy progress, also covers your blood sugar levels. Based on the findings, the healthcare provider can offer guidance to manage gestational diabetes effectively.
6. Stress Management:
Stress is not uncommon among pregnant women, especially with health concerns like gestational diabetes. Deep breathing, prenatal yoga, meditation, and mindful exercises are some of the common stress-management strategies recommended by healthcare professionals. Additionally, a supportive network of family and friends can be a great source of encouragement and assistance.
7. Educate Yourself:
Acquiring basic knowledge of gestational diabetes, such as its potential complications and effective management strategies comes in handy during pregnancy. You can educate yourself on the subject through prenatal classes, reputable resources, and your healthcare provider.
Gestational diabetes develops when various changes in the body of a woman during pregnancy develop insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels. Although temporary, it is a critical medical health concern that needs professional guidance and proper care to minimise its effect on the health of the mother and the baby.
In addition to seeking regular prenatal care, closely monitoring your blood sugar levels and improving your lifestyle and food habits can help you deal with it confidently. For the best care for expectant mothers, consider consulting Six Sigma Clinics, one of the top maternity clinics in Gurgaon.