Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Between 2 and 7 percent of expectant mothers develop this condition, making it one of the most common health problems that a woman has to face during pregnancy.
If the woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy then she is most likely to pass it on to the child in the womb. So, if a woman has gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Gestational diabetes can be controlled effectively by diet and exercise. In rare cases the expectant mother might need medication.
After the baby is born, the mother and the child both recoup their original health. Only a small percentage of women with gestational diabetes remain diabetic after delivery, and experts suspect that most of these women actually had undiagnosed diabetes before they got pregnant.
The major risk associated with gestational diabetes is the birth of a fat baby. The condition is known as macrosomia. A macrosomic baby may be too large to enter the birth canal. Or the baby’s head may enter the canal but then his shoulders get stuck. Delivery can sometimes result in a fractured bone or nerve damage, both of which heal without permanent problems in nearly 99 percent of babies. Birth by caesarean section might be necessary.
Some basic precautions have to be taken to prevent the risk of gestational diabetes. It is taking recourse to natural methods again! Make it a point to lose weight, if you are overweight. Be careful and choosy about your food, and above all, do exercises regularly. This type of diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your hormones make it tougher for your body to use insulin, so your pancreas needs to produce more of it. For most expectant mothers, this isn’t a problem. As the need for insulin increases, the pancreas secretes more of it. But when a woman’s pancreas can’t keep up with the insulin demand and her blood glucose levels get too high, the result is gestational diabetes.
If you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes you will need to monitor your glucose levels, using a home glucose meter or strips. Eating a well-planned diet can help you keep those levels where they should be. Your diet must have the correct balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, while providing the proper vitamins, minerals, and calories. To keep your glucose levels stable, it is particularly important that you don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.
Studies show that moderate exercise helps improve your body’s ability to process glucose and keep blood sugar levels stable. Many women with gestational diabetes benefit from 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, each day. Exercise isn’t advisable for everyone, so you should consult your doctor for advice before you try any form of exercise.
