Gestational diabetes is ‘high blood glucose levels during pregnancy that resolve after the birth of the baby.’
Although your blood sugar levels get back to normal after your baby is born, without careful monitoring and control, it might lead to serious problems for both you and your baby. We are here to guide you about the complications and treatment plan to manage gestational diabetes to ensure a safe pregnancy journey.
Keep reading the article. At Doral Health & Wellness, we have all the answers you need.
Complications for your baby
If you have gestational diabetes, it may increase your baby’s risk of:
- Premature birth.
- Stillbirth.
- Jaundice.
- Breathing difficulties (like respiratory distress syndrome).
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and resulting seizures.
- Excessive birth weight (9 pounds or more).
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes (as an adult).
Complications for you
Gestational diabetes may also increase your chances of:
- Type 2 diabetes (in the future).
- High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.
- Having a C-section.
It may sound scary, but don’t worry…. We are here to help!
Call us on + 1-718-367- 2555 to find out more. We are here to provide any assistance you need for a healthy pregnancy through the birth of your baby.
Treatment Plan
Get the right prenatal care to ensure smooth sailing through your pregnancy. We, at Doral Health Wellness, have a team of doctors and health professionals (dieticians, nutritionists, counselors, and physiotherapists) to help you every step of the way.
Management of gestational diabetes includes:
Lifestyle changes
- Weight management:
- Start pregnancy at a healthy weight.
- Avoid putting on too much weight during pregnancy.
- Talk to a dietician about a meal/diet plan.
- Diet control:
- A healthy diet rich in vegetables, fiber, fruits, and nutrients.
- Avoid processed foods and snacks.
- Avoid foods high in refined sugars.
- Replace packaged snacks with a bowl of fruits, yogurt, or other healthy options.
- Avoid fatty, fried foods.
- Opt for home-cooked meals.
- Make sure you include nuts and seeds in your list of snacks for a healthy dose of nutrients.
- Include variety in your diet to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals.
- Make sure to have small snacks and meals from time to time if you have morning sickness.
- Exercise routine:
- You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week.
- You can maintain an exercise routine throughout your pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor about any changes in your workout regimen during pregnancy.
Regular monitoring
- Check your blood sugar levels three or four times a day
The American Diabetes Association recommends these target blood sugar levels in pregnant women with hyperglycemia and gestational diabetes.
- Before a meal: 95 mg/dL or less
- Within an hour of a meal: 140 mg/dL or less
- Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dL or less
- Check your urine for ketones (chemicals that mean that your diabetes isn’t under control).
- Your doctor will also keep track of your baby’s development.
- Your doctor might order frequent ultrasound scans to keep a tab on your baby’s growth and development.
Medication, if necessary
If diet, exercise, and regular monitoring don’t help, your doctor might recommend oral medications or insulin injections to help control your blood sugar levels.
Follow-up after delivery-
You might need follow-up appointments to monitor your blood sugar levels after delivery and again after 6 and 12 weeks (about 3 months) to make sure that they are back to normal.
Need personalized treatment plans. Feel free to get in touch on + 1-718-367- 2555 or visit our website at www.doralhw.org to get professional medical help for your condition and create a personalized plan based on your lifestyle. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with us at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
