After Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy

Written by Samuel Blue

The wait is almost over. The due date is just around the corner. In some cases, the birth date is planned. The extra tests, dietary changes and exercise have been worth the effort. Additional complications have been averted, and the baby has developed as expected. Only one question remains: after gestational diabetes pregnancy, what are the remaining concerns?

The Actual Birth

Before contemplating the future, mom and baby need to get through a successful delivery. For moms with gestational diabetes, home delivery with a midwife is strongly discouraged. Although many come through the process just fine, but patients can arise that require it needed medical attention.

Once labor begins, gestational diabetes seems to end. However, if the mother's blood sugar levels are high at the time of birth, the baby might need special attention immediately after birth. Once separated from the mother, the blood sugar levels of the baby can drop drastically. If this happens, the doctor may have to eject the baby with glucose, in order to prevent the seizure or other health complications.

Thankfully, if the doctor is aware of the metabolic disorder during pregnancy, the health care team will be prepared for any complications that may arise. Hopefully, the birth will come off without a hitch. But, it is nice to know medical expertise is there if needed.

Home Free

Once mom and baby have been released from the hospital, everything can get back to some semblance of normal. The trials and tribulations the last few months can be forgotten, and everything to go back to the way it was before -- except for getting used to having a baby around the house, of course. Right?

Wrong. Especially the mom plans to have any more children in the future, the time to start preparing for another pregnancy is now. Do not forsake the healthy diet and exercise habits learned in the last few months. Keep up the good work.

The Crystal Ball

Before resuming old habits that consisted of unhealthy choices, take a look into the future. Moms that have experienced a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes are 70% more likely to repeat the same health issues next time. In addition, she and the baby have an increased risk of developing type II diabetes in the years to come.

Fortunately, knowing the probability of what lies ahead gives mom the opportunity to make healthy choices today. Hopefully, it will prevent the predictions from coming true.

The Extra Pounds

Shortly after the birth of her baby, mom will lose 10-15 pounds. But, if she is overweight before the pregnancy, it will not magically disappear afterwards. Therefore, it will be essential to continue those healthy habits and get down to a healthy weight.

In this effort, the new baby can actually help. Nursing a child has many benefits for both mom and baby:

Bonding
Developing Security for the Child
Build Immunities
Convenient
Less Expensive
Weight Loss

In addition to the physical and emotional benefits to the baby, it is also great for mom. For example, nursing actually causes the uterus to contract. During this process, it actually helps mom heal from the pregnancy and get back into shape. Plus, it takes a lot of calories to produce enough milk to sustain a growing infant.

No. It does not mean that mom has an ‘eat whatever she wants’ free card. But, it does mean that providing nutrition for her baby is a great tool for losing weight. Mom still needs to eat enough to supply enough milk for the baby. But, the doctor can provide healthy solutions for both mom and baby.

Healthy Choices

Of course, mom will always have to be concerned with making healthy choices for nutrition and exercise. While the doctor will limit exercise for a few weeks after birth, so mom can heal, it will be important to develop a routine and sticking to it. But, without the concerns of pregnancy, mom will have more options for getting fit. For example, if bike riding is an enjoyable activity, it might be more pleasant than aerobics.

Eating a well-balanced diet is vital. Fruits, vegetables, proteins, and more are required to maintain a healthy body. Since, the habit has already begun during pregnancy with gestational diabetes, simply keep up the good work-for the rest of life.

The Best Example

Mom is the best example for her child/children. If youngsters grow up with healthy food choices and exercise as a part of every day, they are more likely to continue these great habits throughout life. Since mom knows her baby will have a greater chance to develop type II diabetes in the future, it is especially important to instill healthier choices from day one.

In short, if a woman has successfully delivered after a gestational diabetes pregnancy, her concerns with better health, weight loss, proper diet and exercise do not end when she leaves the hospital. In fact, for the sake of her child, it is vital to instill those same healthy choices for a lifetime, so the odds of developing type II diabetes later in life are greatly reduced. The future does not have to be predictable.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Main Menu

Home

Basics