Gestational diabetes is type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women, who are not diabetic, but makes them to develop high glucose level during pregnancy. If gestational diabetes is not properly checked or controlled, it can result to overweight babies which can make normal delivery to become difficult and increases the chances of a Caesarean section delivery (delivery of a baby trough an incision in the womb).
Passing through a caesarean section delivery is not what any pregnant mother wishes for herself. The mother might encounter many problems such as increased blood pressure, preterm delivery and miscarriages. The babies of a gestational diabetic mother also need special care after delivery because they are at risk of low glucose level and jaundice.
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13 early warning signs of diabetes you must knowDuring antenatal check up, all pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes and if tested positive, adopting the following tips on how to control gestational diabetes during pregnancy naturally will be very useful. It will be beneficial for both the pregnant mother and the baby in the womb.
Important Tips On How To Control Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy Naturally
1. Diet
Diet is one important way of dealing gestational diabetes during pregnancy naturally. Most of the moms with gestational diabetes will be able to control their glucose levels by modifying their diet and also increasing physical activity. To be on the right track, a gestational diabetes patient should seek the advice of a qualified dietician. Instead of following the three regular meals, you can divide into six smaller meals and reduce your carbohydrate intake. You should replace all simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates. You should also increase your protein intake as it is the building blocks of life. Increasing your fibre intake is also another means of keeping your glucose level under control.
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Soluble and insoluble fibre foods suitable for weight loss2. Activity
Regular exercise or physical activities can also help to keep the glucose level of a diabetic patient under control. For example, you can take a walk for about 20 to 30 minutes after every meal, it will be helpful. Another advantage of walking some distance is that it prevents excess weight gain during pregnancy and keeps you active. This type of activity is safe for you and your baby, if you are not having any other complication. You can build up your exercise activity gradually.
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Health benefits of exercising while pregnant3. Monitoring of your blood glucose levels
Regular monitoring of your blood glucose levels is very important for delivery. The frequency of checking your blood glucose levels will be advised by your doctor. If diet modification and activity (walking alone) does not control your glucose levels naturally, then your doctor will have to prescribe some drugs to you, such as tablets or injectable insulin. After delivery of your baby, your glucose level should also be checked till it returned back to normal. The glucose level of the baby should also be checked for the first 24 hours to ascertain if the levels are too low or high.
A gestational diabetes patient also have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. Having this in mind, you should follow a healthy diet and active lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy weight. If you have been asking questions on how to control gestational diabetes during pregnancy naturally, then I guess the information found on this page can come in handy. Please use the share buttons below to pass the message across all social media platform of yours.
