Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It affects about 4% of pregnant women and usually goes away after giving birth. However, it is important to manage gestational diabetes as it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, premature birth and birth complications.
If you have gestational diabetes, you will need to see a doctor who specializes in the condition. Your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that involves monitoring your blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for managing gestational diabetes:
Do:
1. Test your blood sugar regularly – Your doctor will recommend how often you should test your blood sugar. You may need to test it once a day or several times a day.
2. Eat a balanced diet – Eating a balanced diet that consists of healthy carbohydrates, protein, and fat can help manage your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian who specializes in gestational diabetes.
3. Get regular exercise – Exercise helps manage your blood sugar levels and can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about what types of exercise are safe during pregnancy.
4. Take your medication as prescribed – If your doctor prescribes medication to manage your blood sugar levels, it is important to take it as prescribed.
Don’t:
1. Skip meals – Skipping meals can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
2. Eat too much sugar – Eating too much sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to go too high.
3. Drink alcohol – Alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low and is not safe during pregnancy.
4. Smoke – Smoking can cause complications during pregnancy and can also increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
The best foods to eat for gestational diabetes include:
1. Whole grains – Whole grains are a good source of healthy carbohydrates and can help manage your blood sugar levels.
2. Fruits and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and are low in calories.
3. Lean protein – Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and tofu can help you feel full and satisfied.
4. Low-fat dairy – Dairy products are a good source of calcium and can help manage your blood sugar levels.
It is also important to avoid foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and processed carbohydrates.
In addition to managing your diet, there are also lifestyle changes that can help manage gestational diabetes. These include:
1. Getting enough sleep – Getting enough sleep can help manage your blood sugar levels.
2. Managing stress – Stress can cause your blood sugar levels to go too high. Finding ways to manage stress, like deep breathing or meditation, can be helpful.
3. Staying hydrated – Drinking plenty of water can help manage your blood sugar levels.
4. Avoiding exposure to toxins – Exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke or chemicals can increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
In some cases, couples who are struggling with infertility may turn to assisted reproductive technology. Here are some common types of assisted reproductive technology:
1. In vitro fertilization (IVF) – In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus.
2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – In IUI, sperm is inserted directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation.
3. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus.
4. Surrogacy – In surrogacy, a woman carries a child for another couple or individual. This can be done through traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate’s own eggs are used) or gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF).
If you are considering assisted reproductive technology, it is important to talk to a doctor who specializes in infertility. They can help you understand the risks, benefits, and success rates of different treatments.
In conclusion, gestational diabetes is a condition that affects many pregnant women. By following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress and sleep, you can help manage your condition and have a healthy pregnancy. If you are struggling with infertility, talk to a doctor who specializes in infertility to understand your options for assisted reproductive technology.