Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during a woman’s pregnancy that is caused when the placenta makes hormones that cause a buildup of sugar in your blood. Gestational diabetes can have many effects on the mother’s body. The best way to ensure the safety of the mother and the baby is to know the risks and precautions of having gestational diabetes.
When a mother has gestational diabetes, she is at risk of having problems during and after birth. The mother has a higher risk of having a miscarriage, having a C-section, or having the baby too early. The mother can also have preeclampsia, which is a very dangerous pregnancy complication typically characterized by swelling of the hands and feet, protien in the urine, and high blood pressure. …show more content…
The mother should check with her doctor or midwife about the delivery options that are best for the safety of her and her child. The mother should ask the doctor if they would need a C-section, if the estimated birth-weight is accurate, and the risks of having a vaginal birth.
The best way to prevent gestational diabetes is to eat healthy. The mother should work with a diabetes educator or a dietitian to plan snacks and meals that keep your blood sugar in a healthy, normal range. She will need to limit how many carbohydrates she will eat and drink, because they can cause your blood sugar to spike. Avoid high-sugar foods such as soda and sugary desserts.
The mother should also maintain a healthy weight during the pregnancy. A good way to stay a healthy weight is to exercise regularly. Getting some physical activity every day is a good way to help manage blood sugar. The mother’s goal should be 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, unless your midwife or doctor recommends something different. For gentle exercise, try swimming or
When a mother has gestational diabetes, she is at risk of having problems during and after birth. The mother has a higher risk of having a miscarriage, having a C-section, or having the baby too early. The mother can also have preeclampsia, which is a very dangerous pregnancy complication typically characterized by swelling of the hands and feet, protien in the urine, and high blood pressure. …show more content…
The mother should check with her doctor or midwife about the delivery options that are best for the safety of her and her child. The mother should ask the doctor if they would need a C-section, if the estimated birth-weight is accurate, and the risks of having a vaginal birth.
The best way to prevent gestational diabetes is to eat healthy. The mother should work with a diabetes educator or a dietitian to plan snacks and meals that keep your blood sugar in a healthy, normal range. She will need to limit how many carbohydrates she will eat and drink, because they can cause your blood sugar to spike. Avoid high-sugar foods such as soda and sugary desserts.
The mother should also maintain a healthy weight during the pregnancy. A good way to stay a healthy weight is to exercise regularly. Getting some physical activity every day is a good way to help manage blood sugar. The mother’s goal should be 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, unless your midwife or doctor recommends something different. For gentle exercise, try swimming or