What is gestational diabetes?
During pregnancy, higher blood sugar levels can lead to a condition called gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes usually resolves after the birth of your baby, but it can increase your risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes can also cause problems for your baby, like being born early or being larger than average. Babies of mothers who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes are also at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What can I do?
If you have diabetes and are pregnant, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of complications:
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control. This means checking your blood sugar often and taking your insulin or other medications as prescribed.
- Eat a healthy diet. This includes avoiding sugary drinks, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and choosing lean protein sources. If you already have diabetes, managing how much sugary foods and beverages you consume is one step towards better health you should be familiar with already.
- Get regular exercise. This can help in controlling your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health, ensuring that you are staying active and healthy even during your pregnancy.
- Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of complications, like preterm labor and birth and low birth weight.
Request a consultation visit with our dedicated team today!
If you have diabetes and are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor at Huey and Weprin OB/GYN first. They can help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of complications. Call 937-771-5100 to request an appointment at one of our two office locations in Kettering and Englewood, OH.
