Managing Gestational Diabetes

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, you are not alone. About five percent of pregnant women will develop this condition. Nearly all pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes in the second trimester, usually by the 28th week.

The reason all women are screened is due to the danger posed to mother and baby from gestational diabetes that is left untreated. While the condition is not known to cause birth defects, there can be problems for the baby if mom's glucose level is not kept under control. Some of the problems which can result include having a large baby which can result in a c section, the baby having low blood sugar at birth, jaundice and respiratory distress in the newborn.

In rare cases, insulin injections may be needed. Most women are able to control the blood sugar through diet. Your doctor will help you develop a meal plan. In some cases, you may be sent to a doctor who specializes in diabetes to help with blood sugar management.

The meal plan will help balance the need for proper nutrition for you and the baby with maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. In general you will be instructed to avoid foods that are high in sugar as well as simple carbohydrates. Foods that are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates should be included in your diet. These include grains, beans, vegetables and cereal.

Your doctor or nutritionist will most likely tell you to watch the fat content as well as the sugar. Some foods that are low in sugar are not always low in fat. This will convert to sugar in the blood stream and cause your glucose level to rise quickly. It's important to get professional help from a qualified medical professional, rather than trying to figure it out on your own.

This condition generally fades after the birth of the baby. There is some evidence to suggest that gestational diabetes may increase your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. For this reason, some doctors are now recommending regular screening for women who have had gestational diabetes in a pregnancy.

In addition to diet, you will need to monitor your blood sugar. This is done at home with a home glucose monitor. How often you will need to test will depend on your individual case. Your doctor will instruct you on the use of the monitor and tell you how often to test your blood sugar.

Related Articles:

Causes and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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