General tips for Diabetes in Pregnancy

Okay, now we get to group all of you together for this week: those who had diabetes before the pregnancy and those who have been diagnosed during the pregnancy. While you are happily daydreaming of your little person-on-the-way, here are some tips to keep in mind:{{more}}

1) This should go without saying, but here is a reminder anyway: keep your doctor’s appointments. I know how much of a pain it is to drag your heavy-self in the heat to sit in the doctor’s office and wait for what seems to be a quick visit where he/she may not do much. But it really is very important for them to keep an eye on your weight, blood pressure, general health and physical exam, not to mention the growth of your baby. So please go.

2) Eat well. Nope, I don’t mean inhaling everything you can find or crave. I mean eating enough for the growth of your baby but making sure the majority are healthy foods rich in nutrients for both of you. Some pregnant women use this time as an excuse to eat everything in sight. This is not a good idea for anyone, most of all a diabetic mother. Yes, you are eating for two, but try to eat HEALTHY for two.

Try not to skip meals. Fasting for many hours may produce ketones in your blood, which are not good for your baby. Space your carbohydrates throughout the day as this will help stabilize your blood sugars and make diabetes management easier. Try not to have a big piece of ham alone for breakfast then a plate of dasheen alone for lunch. Spread out those carbohydrates!

3) Following up on point number 2 is this one: watch your weight. Pregnant women with diabetes are already more likely to have large babies. Too much weight gain makes this even more likely and it is not a good thing. At the start of the pregnancy, be sure to discuss a healthy weight gain with your doctor, and keep an eye on yourself as the months go along. A sudden increase in weight may also signal some other issues, so bring that to his/her attention if it happens.

4) Make sure any urine infection is treated QUICKLY. Pregnant women have a knack for having urine infections and this can cause trouble even in non-diabetic mothers. At the first sign of burning or pain with urination, change in the smell of urine or any other concerning issues in that region of the body, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. This is not something you want to chase down later when it has taken hold of you. Get a handle on it early.

5) Take your multivitamins. Even with a good diet, there are some additional minerals that you can get from prenatal vitamins such as added calcium, iron, folate and iodine. These are important for both you and your baby.

Next week we will go through some more intense recommendations about medications and blood sugar checks for you. In the meantime stay safe and healthy Vincies-Mommas-to-be:)

Anita Ramsetty, MD
endodocs@endocrinehelp.com
Medical Director Endocrine Care Group
www.endocrinehelp.com
Tel: 843-798-4227