Healthy Practices During Pregnancy Decreases Your Risk for Gestational Diabetes

There are so many different benefits for healthy living, especially during pregnancy – but I read an article last night that struck me and I thought it necessary to pass along some of the information. Rates of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (or GDM) have doubled in the past few years. Gestational diabetes, as explained by the American Diabetes Association, happens most likely because “the placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin. She may need up to three times as much insulin. Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia.” (You can read more on the subject at http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html.)

That is the science behind why pregnant women become hyperglycemic and develop GDM. The reason to be aware of this is the consequences for mother and baby. GDM can lead to preeclampsia (a very serious high blood pressure condition that can be fatal to both mother and baby), preterm delivery and delivery of overweight babies (that often leads to the necessity of having a Cesarean  section), and 70-80% of women who experience GDM  eventually develop type II diabetes.

Lowering your risk for GDM is very important. Luckily it is now routine to be checked for GDM throughout pregnancy and can be caught early on. However altering your lifestyle before and during pregnancy is the best way to decrease your chances of ever getting GDM. The two key lifestyle changes are diet and exercise. Making sure you are eating a balanced diet free of too many “fluffy carbs” (foods containing processed flours and sugars), sugary drinks and treats, and making sure you are ingesting a frequent small meals that contain a good variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates will significantly decrease your risks of GDM. If you are contemplating becoming pregnant or are already, try slowly cutting out drinking soda and sugary drinks altogether. Switch to naturally flavored sparkling water, herbal teas sweetened with stevia or honey, or all natural powder mixes you can add to your water bottle.

The second key is to be exercising regularly. This means at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 4-5 times per week. Starting small and frequent is the best way to build up your exercise routine. Ten minutes of walking here, some squats while blow-drying your hair there, kegels in the car and you are on your way to building up a healthy routine of frequent moderate exercise.

Need help altering your health and fitness habits? Email Jen at cherryblossomfitness(at)gmail(dot)com today for a free initial consultation and planning meeting!