Preparing For Pregnancy And Preventing Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, a woman's metabolism changes. Their blood sugar levels may transiently rise as a result of this. The woman is regarded as having gestational diabetes if certain thresholds are exceeded. Being extremely overweight, having relatives who have diabetes, and having diabetes in a prior pregnancy are risk factors.

It's likely that if you're reading this, you're considering becoming a parent soon. However, before you start making real baby-making attempts, look through our pregnancy preparation guide and take the recommended precautions to avoid gestational diabetes.

pro tip: You and your spouse should arrange a pre-conception checkup. Along with performing other standard health tests, your doctor will evaluate the medical history of both you and your partner during this examination.

What can help prevent gestational diabetes?

Clear out your medical cabinets

Your medical cabinet is most likely stocked with over-the-counter drugs for headaches, allergies, or constipation, as well as a selection of herbal treatments. It's time to start thinking about what's within. Some of these items have substances that may interfere with fertility or damage your fetus.

Checking your weight

Excess weight is a risk factor for several pregnancy-related problems. These problems include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, if you are overweight or obese, strive to lose weight before becoming pregnant in order to lower these pregnancy-related risk factors.

Of course, being underweight has its hazards. People who are underweight are more likely to have reproductive issues, go into premature labor, and have a low-birth-weight baby.

Remember that many of people with a wide range of body shapes and weights have good pregnancies. So, rather of focusing just on weight loss, consider boosting your diet and physical activity as a whole.

Cutting down on carbs

Because carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, it's normally recommended to limit carbohydrates ("carbs") while still getting adequate fiber and eating a balanced diet.

The precise dietary modifications to be made will be determined by factors such as the woman's weight and her amount of daily physical activity. Getting expert guidance from a dietitian or nutritionist might help you prevent negative consequences. It is critical to ensure that your body receives adequate calories and nutrients before and during pregnancy.

Developing the Habit of Exercising

A number of studies have been conducted to determine if gestational diabetes is less likely to develop in women who exercise regularly from the start of their pregnancy than in women who do not exercise regularly. They discovered that women who exercised more were less likely to develop gestational diabetes, regardless of whether they were overweight or normal weight.

It is sometimes enough to do at least 30 minutes of intense activity three to four days a week to drop blood sugar levels. Swimming, cycling, and brisk walking are all good forms of exercise. Martial arts, skiing, and soccer are all too dangerous during pregnancy.