Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes

Do you have diabetes and plan to get pregnant? Or, has your doctor diagnosed you with gestational diabetes? In both of these cases, you need to plan your pregnancy. While taking precautionary measures to ensure everything in your power to keep yourself and your baby in good health!

Everything you need to know about pregnancy and diabetes!

Whether diabetes existed prior to pregnancy or it was discovered and diagnosed as gestational diabetes, it is crucial not to panic. Many women do because they receive a plethora of often unclear information about how dangerous diabetes can be for both mother and the baby. However, while it is true that it can pose significant health, it is also crucial to know that it doesn’t have to. It is essential to know that by following the doctor’s recommendations and introducing lifestyle changes, you can manage diabetes and pregnancy.

What Is Gestational Diabetes

Okay, we need to point out that we are talking about two types of diabetes in pregnancy.Diabetes mellitus is a condition that everyone can develop at any stage of life. It is, however, more common in older people. It is a metabolic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t regulate insulin production and use. Sometimes, women who have diabetes can be more sensitive to cold. In this case, you can make use of the best heated blanket. Some women can have diabetes before becoming pregnant. Another type, gestational diabetes, occurs when blood sugar levels spike during pregnancy. It can happen to previously perfectly healthy women.

The causes are not entirely clear, although there are indications that excess weight, inactivity, diabetes in the family, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome might play a significant role. The potentially problematic thing when it comes to gestational diabetes is that it can be a challenge to recognize it. If you are pregnant and find that you are more thirsty or that you urinate more frequently, you might be experiencing symptoms of gestational diabetes. In this case, it is best to talk with your doctor as soon as possible. Better to be safe than sorry. The good news is that there are ways to keep it under control by taking prescribed medications and making lifestyle changes. Note also that, while gestational diabetes goes away after giving birth, in the long run, it increases the risk of diabetes mellitus.

Complications

Although you shouldn’t panic if you have gestational diabetes, we believe that you should be informed about its complications. After conducting a gestational diabetes test, and your doctors confirm the diagnosis, take measures to prevent the following situations.

  • Excessive weight at birth
  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Preterm birth
  • Stillbirth
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes

Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Talk With Your Doctors

It is one of the first things when you want to know how to prevent gestational diabetes, as well as how to control it. If you have pre-existing diabetes or suspect or you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, discuss the plan with your endocrinologist, OB/GYN, nutrition specialist, etc. They have the experience, and thus they can provide you with necessary information on how to plan your pregnancy in this situation.

Medications

The team of your doctors will assess your health situation and make decisions on the course of action. It means that they will decide whether and what kind of medications your condition requires. For example, if you have gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, in many cases, you can manage it with diet changes. Women who have diabetes type 1 will likely be recommended to change the method of insulin administration and advised to use an insulin pump.

Healthy Diet

After you are diagnosed you should ask your doctor about gestational diabetes diet. It will probably include a lot of fruit, veggies and of course whole-grain foods. This kind of food is exceptionally beneficial for you and the baby if you don’t have diabetes as well. Besides that, if diabetes mellitus is a preexisting condition, you should change your dietary habits when you start planning to get pregnant. If you experience difficulties to lose weight or create an adequate gestational diabetes meal plan, consult with your doctors.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is generally critical for maintaining good health.

Being pregnant shouldn’t mean that you stop working out. It just means that you need to modify the exercises you are usually doing. When you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, exercise must make part of your daily routine to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Final Word

Whether you have pre-existing diabetes or develop gestational diabetes, as we mentioned several times, your doctors must monitor you regularly. Therefore, by following your doctors instructions, you are making sure to have things under control. Also, doing everything in your power to keep yourself and the growing baby in good health. Do you know someone who had gestational diabetes?

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I’m a type 1 diabetic with diabetes knowledge in t1d and t2d, as well as nutrition and low-carb keto diet information, fitness and exercise programs to help keep you in optimal diabetes health. Take advantage of our diabetic health toolsfor a healthier lifestyle!

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