Gestational diabetes can affect the health or safety of you and your unborn baby. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may suffer from low blood sugar levels, high birth weight or jaundice at birth. Gestational diabetes also increases your risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy, as well as increasing the risk of a difficult delivery or cesarean section. Proper treatment minimizes these risks.
Nutrition
Many dietary changes can lower your blood sugar levels. Check the nutritional label of the foods you eat to determine how much sugar is in the food. If the food you eat doesn't have a nutritional label, use a nutritional database website, such as LiveSTRONG's MyPlate tool. The specific amount of sugar you consume each day may vary depending on your specific medical condition and situation, so always ask for specific recommendations from your doctor. Generally speaking, you should eat nutrient-rich meals that contain a balanced amount of fat, carbohydrates and protein. Vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains are good choices. Avoid sugary foods that contain little or no nutrients, such as candy and soda. It also may help to eat frequently throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stabilized. Avoid skipping meals or overeating. If you find it difficult to maintain a low-sugar, well-balanced diet, consider consulting a registered dietitian.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise can help your body stabilize blood sugar levels. Although it's typically safe to get a moderate amount of exercise during pregnancy, always ask your doctor if you have any specific fitness restrictions based on your medical condition. Low-impact exercises may be preferable, including prenatal yoga, swimming or walking. If you experience any unpleasant physical effects while you exercise, stop and rest. See a doctor if you have specific concerns about exercising during pregnancy.
Medical Intervention
It's important to have your blood sugar checked regularly if you have gestational diabetes. Although diet and exercise can significantly lower blood sugar for some pregnant women, others may need insulin injections or medications. Ask your doctor if this applies to you. Always follow the recommendations of your doctor when treating gestational diabetes.
Considerations
Gestational diabetes normally goes away after the baby is born. Your doctor may request that you have a blood test within one to two months after childbirth to check your blood sugar levels to ensure they have returned to normal. Having gestational diabetes increases your risk for diabetes in your next pregnancy and later in life. In fact, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 40 percent to 50 percent chance of having gestational diabetes in the next pregnancy and are 60 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, may help you prevent diabetes from recurring.
