Gestational Diabetes Health Weight Loss Nutrition Tips Guide

Gestational Diabetes Affecting Expectant Mothers

By Myfawny Craighter

There are many factors that come into consideration when a woman falls pregnant. Blood pressure is often monitored, along with weight and any aches or pains that the woman might feel.

There are more serious illnesses that can be side-effects of diabetes and pregnancy, threatening both mother and child. Yearly, about four percent (approximately 140,000) of American women who get pregnant will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. GD occurs during the latter stages of a pregnancy and can be a rather daunting diagnosis for any expectant parent.

The cause of gestational diabetes is largely unknown, although there is some link to pregnancy hormones and the placenta. If your body is unable to make or use all the insulin it needs, glucose remaining in the blood eventually reaches abnormally high levels.

Birth Of A Larger Baby With Jaundice

Unlike other health problems, gestational diabetes does not normally result in birth defects; however, it can have repercussions for the baby. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes tend to be large and this can lead to injuries to the child’s shoulders during the normal birthing process.

The babies can have jaundice, low glucose levels and higher insulin levels than is the norm, as well as breathing problems. It is also believed that babies born with high insulin levels are at a higher risk for obesity.

Increase Chance Of Type 2 Diabetes Later In Life

Gestational diabetes can also cause problems for the mother, as delivering a larger-than-normal baby can be difficult and, in many instances, results in a caesarian section. In addition, gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type II diabetes later on in life.

As with any other type of diabetes, controlling the gestational type is possible with diet, exercise, and medication. With this type of diabetes and pregnancy, treatment is normally started as soon as it is known that the mother-to-be has GD.

Diet And Exercise For The Expectant Mother

Diet plans are normally given to the expectant mother so that she can help control her blood sugar level. Foods from all the food groups should be eaten for a well-balanced diet, with greater portions of vegetables and whole grains.

Moderate exercise is also recommended to help control gestational diabetes, although previous levels of physical activity have to be taken into account.

Excess Glucose Can Be Used Up With Exercise

Physical activity helps the body use up the excess glucose without the need for extra insulin. If you were not exercising before you got pregnant, it would be unwise to start any strenuous exercise at this stage of your pregnancy.

It is also important to review your options and monitor your sugar level closely. Set up a routine so that you know when to test your glucose level. The good news about gestational diabetes is that it normally disappears a few weeks after you have given birth. However, in some cases, type I or type II diabetes is discovered during pregnancy.

In these cases, treatment for diabetes and pregnancy will have to be continued for life. It is important to know that in some cases, if an expectant mother has gestational diabetes, she will likely have it again during subsequent pregnancies.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

This Article was about Gestational Diabetes

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

About the Author:
Myfawny Craighter is an author of articles on health, exercise, dieting, weight loss and nutrition including Health Fitness, Weight Loss Success, Total Fat, Acid Diet, Binge Eating.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

Did You Know?

Right now the number one preventable death is cancer caused by smoking. The second most preventable death is complications related to obesity. Being fat is not just a punch line of a joke anymore. People spend millions each year on gym memberships and fad diets in the hopes of losing that excess weight.

The sad fact is that most will fail at their dieting attempts. Some will turn to surgery and others will struggle to survive. If you are overweight and having health issues related to your weight, you need help.