| Coping with Gestational Diabetes Emotionally |
| Written by Michael Corrieri | |
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Pregnancy sends hormones raging. Suddenly, sappy movies make a woman cry uncontrollably. Stupid jokes are somehow hilarious. In fact, all feelings seem to be only skin deep. So, when a woman is confronted with a complication that has the potential to cause serious health problems for her or the baby, it can be totally devastating. For example, coping with gestational diabetes emotionally is very difficult. Nevertheless, understanding that these feelings are perfectly normal and expected can help expectant mothers use the emotions to take action and do what is necessary to bring about a successful conclusion to the pregnancy. The range of emotions is:
Although all of these intense feelings are perfectly normal, the order, depth, and duration will differ from one mother to another. Some women will move from one stage to the next fairly quickly, while others may require help to do what is necessary for them and their babies. AngerIntellectually, everyone knows that life is not fair. Good people struggle, while unscrupulous individuals seem to prosper. But, when it comes to the health or well-being of a child, parents naturally get angry, if life and limb is threatened. Regardless of whether that son or daughter is still in the womb or 30 years old, a mom will want to fight off that thing or person putting a child in jeopardy. The feeling is totally expected. A mom is abnormal, if she is unconcerned about a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. But, the key is to not wallow in anger for very long. Treatment must begin immediately. Overwhelming emotions generally compound the problem. Care for that child comes first. Using anger to develop a proactive approach to the disease of diabetes is great. Conversely, dwelling has the potential to further harm baby and mom.GuiltEvery mother will have guilt at one time or another. As much as moms would like to put their children in some kind of perfect bubble, and protect them from any harm, it simply cannot be done. However, guilt is intensified if an unborn child is under attack from gestational diabetes.The guilt comes from feeling like the body that is supposed to insulate this wee babe has become a traitor. Naturally, mom will likely lay awake at night wondering if the diagnosis might have been different, if she did/did not do something along the way. The guilt can be suffocating, if allowed to fester. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand that it is not because of the actions/inactions of a mom. She has no control over how her body decides to metabolize sugar. Even a woman that eats all the right foods and exercises regularly may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Depression and SadnessDepression and sadness basically go hand-in-hand, when it comes to these intense emotions. Again, it is perfectly natural to experience both of these feelings, especially when facing pregnancy complications. However, dwelling on this mindset will only make matters worse.A mom cannot afford to go home and bury her head under the covers and cry for weeks. The unborn baby is counting on mom to take action and do what is necessary to keep herself healthy, so she can provide what is necessary for the child to become strong, regardless of the special circumstances. Therefore, it is important to remember that gestational diabetes generally goes away after the birth of the baby. Also, treatments are available for the disease, so mom and baby remain healthy. Many women that have type I or type II diabetes manage to have healthy babies, as long as they follow the treatment plan prescribed by health care providers. DisbeliefMom eats all of her vegetables, avoids fatty foods, exercises regularly to keep fit, and still she is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Of course, it will be difficult to believe. She does everything right and has read all of the pregnancy books she can get her hands on; yet, she will have to start taking insulin shots for the duration of the pregnancy. By the same token, overweight moms that think pregnancy is the perfect excuse to indulge every taste bud seem to sail through pregnancy. Disbelief is natural. But, denial will only compound the negative health issues for mom and baby. So, it is important to follow the advice of health care providers right away, regardless. FearEven mothers experiencing a seemingly perfect pregnancy will have a natural and nagging fear throughout. For example, anyone that has gone through labor knows it is not something to be eagerly anticipated. But, being elevated to a high risk is downright scary. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to use fear as a catalyst for doing everything humanly possible to deliver a healthy, happy baby.AcceptanceOf course, acceptance of the circumstances is the emotion to be attained. Moms are more likely to take care of themselves and their unborn children, if they accept gestational diabetes. It does not mean they have to like it. But, knowledge is power to take control and fight for the health of that precious son or daughter. In short, it is perfectly natural to run the gambit of emotions, when a doctor diagnoses gestational diabetes. The key is to use those feeling constructively, and do whatever the doctor recommends to bring about a safe delivery. |
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