Diet Samples
Gestational Diabetes and Your Baby
Gestational diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes mellitus, occurs during pregnancy and only occurs for pregnant women whom never had diabetes. About 3 to 5 percent of all pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed with having gestational diabetes. Most women have an average risk between the ages of 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
To test for gestational diabetes, doctors will request a blood test to measure your blood sugar after consuming an oral glucose drink that many women have described as very sweet and distasteful. It’s recommended to fast at least 8 hours prior to the blood test.
If you have shown high levels of blood sugar on your first gestational diabetes glucose test, another will be ordered. You will need to fast the night before and drink the same glucose drink but your blood will be drawn 3 to 4 times over 3 hours to get a better reading. If the lab technician doesn’t switch arms when drawing blood, request that they do so. It’ll give your arms a rest between blood draws.
Will Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?
Most women with gestational diabetes will go on to have healthy babies, especially when they take control of their blood sugar, exercise lightly and eat a healthy balanced diet.
In some cases, gestational diabetes can affect the pregnancy and your baby. Some potential risks include:
-The baby body is bigger than average, which is also known as macrosomia. A large baby may need to be delivered by C-section instead of naturally through the vagina.
-The baby’s blood sugar may be too low at birth, which is also known as hypoglycemia. It will be important to start breastfeeding right away to get glucose to the baby.
-The baby’s may suffer jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the baby’s eyes may change color. This condition is easily treated and not serious if treated.
-The baby may have trouble breathing and may need assistance with oxygen or other help – this is also known as Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
-The baby may have low mineral levels in the blood and may cause muscle twitching or cramping but can be treated by giving the baby additional minerals.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
Many women who have had successful and healthy pregnancies and healthy babies follow a dietary treatment plan provided by their health care provider. Every woman should have a specific plan designed to you and your baby’s needs so that you both stay healthy with gestational diabetes.
Here are some general ways to stay healthy:
Know your blood sugar and keep track of it several times a day. Make sure to keep it under control.
Eat a healthy diet by limiting the amount of carbohydrates consumed, since carbs affect the blood sugar.
Get regular to moderate physical exercise, depending on what are right for you and your baby.
Watch and keep track of your weight gain. The amount of weight gained must be within a healthy range and depends on how much you weighed prior to getting pregnant.
Keep daily records of your diet, activity and blood sugar level to see if their treatment is working and what or if anything, needs to be changed.
Some women may need to take insulin to help manage their diabetes. The additional insulin will help their blood sugar level.
Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan
Your health care provider will be able to provide a customized plan to fit you and your baby needs. Here are a few sample plans to check out:
Sample Diets for Gestational Diabetes
What happens after the baby is born?
For many women their blood sugar levels will return to normal quickly after the baby is born. You should get your blood tested six weeks after the baby is born. The test will also check for your risk of developing diabetes in the future. If you plan on getting pregnant again, make sure to have your blood sugar tested 3 months prior to becoming pregnant to make sure your blood sugar has returned to normal.
Children who have been born to mothers with gestational diabetes will have a higher risk for obesity, diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance.
Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for obesity later in their lifetime and obtaining type 2 diabetes. Making lifestyle changes now will minimize the risk of getting type 2 diabetes and gain control of your future health.
