Diabetes is unfortunately all too common. Often it is discovered in women when they get a complete physical checkup due to their pregnancies. A diabetic mother faces physical conditions that can affect the health of the unborn baby and her own health. Often with a pregnancy diet, diabetic mothers can control the conditions that may cause complications. When a woman conceives, she falls in love with her child unseen. She wants to do whatever she must to insure the safety of her child. Complications during pregnancy that may arise due to diabetes include the following.
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- High blood pressure
- Growth of an extra large infant
- Birth defects
- Preterm birth
Diabetes should never be taken lightly. Diabetes that occurs in a pregnant woman, who did not have diabetes before conception, is called gestational diabetes. There is also Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that exists before pregnancy. All 3 kinds must be taken seriously. But fortunately, a pregnancy diet, diabetic accommodation in the food planning and light exercise can often control gestational and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes must be controlled with insulin because it results from poor pancreas operation. A mother is sweet on her baby from the moment she becomes aware of him or her. With proper attention to a pregnancy diet, diabetic mother-to-be prove their devotion to their unborn child.
Keeping Tight Control
The key to avoiding pregnancy problems due to diabetes is a matter of keeping tight control of blood sugar levels. With Types 1 or 2, you know before you get pregnant that the diabetic condition is present. During pre-pregnancy, use a doctor prescribed pregnancy diet, diabetic diet recommendations and regular blood sugar testing to keep sugar in control from the moment of conception. The same rules apply once you discover gestational diabetes. To prevent problems during the pregnancy, there are guidelines that should be followed.
- Make sure you are under a doctor’s care and get regular follow-ups
- Monitor your blood sugar daily and regularly throughout the day
- Use medications properly and follow instructions closely
- Eat a healthy diet geared towards controlling diabetes
- Exercise regularly but make sure it is doctor approved
- Be prepared to deal with sudden increases or decreases in blood sugar levels
By controlling diabetes with a pregnancy diet, diabetic mothers can avoid developing many of the serious problems that can occur. It’s all about taking responsibility for your health and the health of your baby. Fortunately, diabetic mothers do not pass on diabetes to their unborn baby. But if you allow the diabetes to go unchecked during pregnancy and the baby grows extra large, obesity is more likely later in the baby’s life. Obesity often leads to diabetes. So by using a specially designed pregnancy diet, diabetic mothers protect their baby from conception to old age.