Gestational Diabetes

Delay is Dangerous

does not feel any different than the day before, when she had no idea that the body is not processing sugars correctly.  However, it is extremely important to understand that any delay in beginning to treat gestational diabetes only increases the danger for both mother and baby.

It is vital to use the emotions to develop a fight attitude, rather than flight.  Do not give up and try to hide in ignorance.  Diabetes will not go away.  Treatment for gestational diabetes must begin immediately, to give both mom and baby a better chance of successfully completing the pregnancy.

Mom is not Alone

Although the health care team cannot make a mom take care of herself and the baby on a daily basis, she does not have to feel all alone.  Once the metabolic disorder is discovered, the doctor will schedule appointments more closely together.  At first, the visits will commence every two weeks.  At that time, the routine blood draw is tested for excessive amounts of sugar in the system.

As the pregnancy progresses, the appointments will be scheduled every week, especially if it is difficult to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.  The entire medical team shares the same goal with the mother-to bring this pregnancy to term and deliver a healthy little boy or girl.  Nevertheless, it is the mom’s responsibility to heed the medical treatment plan and do everything possible to stay healthy.

The Medical Team

An individual diagnosed with gestational diabetes will get to know several professional caregivers quite well, before the pregnancy comes to term.  It will take more people, in addition to the doctor, to make sure the diabetes is under control.  The list includes the:

• Dietician
• Therapist
• Technician

Each trained professional teaches mom how to treat diabetes; and, these experts will help monitor each specific aspect of the pregnancy.  Changes and adjustments are made, if necessary.

Dietician

The dietician teaches mom what and how to eat, in order to help control the gestational diabetes.  A healthy diet is prescribed.  In addition, the frequency of the meals will be determined.  

If the mother already has a problem with excess weight, the healthier diet may result in no more weight gain, and in some cases weight loss. Nevertheless, the growth of the baby is closely monitored.  Even if mom does not gain any more weight throughout the pregnancy, the baby should still receive all of the nutrition required to arrive at a healthy weight.

In truth, the new eating habits should be maintained after the baby is born.  Since mom is at increased risk of developing type II diabetes later in life, it is important to get down to a healthy weight and do whatever is necessary to avoid a permanent diagnosis.

Therapist

A therapist will be called to discuss exercises appropriate for pregnancy.  Mom should not enroll in an aerobics class, especially if unaccustomed to such activities.  However, a brisk walk will probably be prescribed on a daily basis.

Exercise helps burn the extra sugars in the body.  Therefore, it is also a great weapon in treating gestational diabetes.  In some cases, the doctor will want mom to only do upper body exercises, especially if it is already late in the pregnancy.  The therapist will discuss those exercises that can still burn away that extra sugar, without stressing out the mom or the baby.

Technician

A technician will probably be called to teach the expectant mother how and when to test her blood sugar.  Before meals, after meals, following exercise, first thing in the morning or the last thing at night before bed, a regular routine for testing a drop of blood with a meter will be established. In addition, a visit to the technician is important, if the doctor finds it necessary to prescribe insulin shots.

If shots are required, mom will learn how to self-medicate.  A dose of insulin in the morning or at night may be all that is required. However, in order to more closely mimic the regular release of insulin in a healthy body, the doctor may prescribe up to 4 shot per day at regular intervals.

In short, learning how to treat gestational diabetes is vital for the health of the mom-to-be and the baby.  Wallowing in negative emotions or delaying treatment is not an option.  Caring for a precious child does not begin at the moment of birth. It should be a priority all through the pregnancy.  An expert medical team will help mom know what to do, and complications to watch for, but it will be her responsibility to take care of herself and her baby.