Pregnancy can change any woman’s life. Bringing a child into the world can be a rewarding experience for some new mothers. Though it does require a few life changes. It’s especially a big life change if you have gestational diabetes. Diabetes and pregnancy are two of the most health-concerning issues that plague Black America. Thousands of Black Americans suffer from high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. In the same breath, we also face a high mortality rate from pregnancy-related causes. Many women suffer from gestational diabetes as well. It’s a double-edged sword. Fortunately, there are ways for patients to combat the chronic disease and protect the development of their child.
Learning to better manage your blood sugar levels during your pregnancy could be beneficial to both you and your child. In fact, managing your diabetes is crucial in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
According to UCLA Health, unmanaged diabetes could negatively impact the development of your unborn baby. Specifically, it can cause defects in the heart and brain of your child. New mothers must always monitor their glucose levels for the sake of their baby.
Here are five important steps women can take to better manage their gestational Diabetes during their pregnancy.
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It goes without saying that whenever you’re making a big life change that could affect your health, you should always consult your doctor. For new moms, they should definitely seek advice from their doctor about possibly becoming pregnant.
Schedule an appointment with both your primary care doctor and obstetrician to talk about your upcoming pregnancy. Even after your pregnancy has been confirmed, you should still continue your doctor’s visit.
Checking up on things like the baby’s progress, your blood sugar levels, and getting a dilated eye exam can really help ensure you have a smooth-sailing pregnancy.
Speaking of consulting with your doctor, you should also avoid taking medications that could negatively impact your pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to stop or change your usage of the cholesterol and hypertension drugs prescribed for your gestational diabetes.
In fact, some medications can lead to severe complications for your child. It’s always best to know what drugs will work with your body as it changes.
Furthermore, pregnancy can alter your cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well. You should always strive to keep track of your blood sugar levels and hit your daily target.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends that pregnant women have 95 milligrams per deciliter or less before meals, at night, or at midnight. Additionally, they should have 130 to 140mg/dL or less an hour after taking a bite out of their first meal. Staying within these daily targets can help with the development of your fetus and ensure you’re healthy enough to carry out the pregnancy.
Eating a healthier and well-balanced diet helps us keep our glucose levels in check. Specifically, a diet rich in carbohydrates and high in fiber will be less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
Instead of reaching for that fruit juice, try eating a banana instead. Additionally, receiving help from a certified dietitian nutritionist can help advise you on which foods to eat and to stay away from while pregnant.
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Aside from working on a diet plan, new mothers suffering from gestational diabetes should try to sustain a level of physical activity. You should consult with your doctor about what kind of exercises you should do and how often. It can be as much as working out five days a week to two. Getting in a good walk can help keep your blood sugar in check.
Making sure our glucose levels are in good shape could mean the very difference between a good pregnancy and a complicated one. Staying proactive about gestational diabetes may help ensure the safe development of your child. Moreover, taking these steps will surely get any new mom on the right track.
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