Health & Wellness: 4 most effective ways to control gestational … – Daily Herald

When I was pregnant with my fifth baby, I went into the doctors office and found out that I was at risk for gestational diabetes.

I had been preparing for the big event everything from new clothes to a brand new baby carrier but didnt really think about what I had been eating.

As part of everyones prenatal care, about 24 to 28 weeks into your pregnancy, your physician will perform a simple blood test to evaluate how your body reacts to insulin. For almost 10 percent of expectant moms, those results indicate gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes poses health risks for the baby, such as high birth weight, jaundice and breathing problems. It can also put you at risk for serious health problems, like high blood pressure and preeclampsia a potentially fatal condition that damages your kidneys and other organs. But, even if you have gestational diabetes, you can minimize your risk with a good diet and exercise plan.

If you have been diagnosed, here are four proven ways to control the negative effects of gestational diabetes:

Leading an active lifestyle is important for everyone, particularly pregnant women. The good news is that it doesnt require a lot of time to benefit from exercise. A simple 10-minute walk around the block or a relaxing yoga session can also help maintain a healthy weight and relieve stress while keeping GD in check.

Doesnt it seem like comfort foods always taste better when you are pregnant? A glass of milk and a doughnut or two or five really satisfy. But many of those foods we crave are loaded with carbohydrates, and that can spike our blood sugar levels. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. For example, tart cherries are a delicious addition to your diet.

Tart cherries have been proven to reduce pain and inflammation, Pam Nisevich Bede, RD., a sports nutrition expert, said, adding that cherries reduce arthritic and joint pain and improve heart health.

To avoid spikes in blood sugar levels, try spreading smaller meals throughout the day. Doctors recommend eating three meals and two to three snacks per day. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help you keep your blood sugar levels stable.

By shifting your diet to include low-glycemic foods, you can better control symptoms of gestational diabetes.

Whether you are pregnant or want to be in the near future, its never too late to change your diet, said Ricardo Rueda, MD, PhD. Make an effort to include foods that dont cause sharp rises in your blood sugar and those that have slowly digestible carbs. Doing so lowers your risk of gestational diabetes and, for your baby, it lowers the risk of future obesity.

Fortunately, its easy to incorporate low-glycemic foods into your diet. There are a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and bread, lean cuts of meat, and nonfat dairy products from which to choose.

Pregnancy really is an opportunity to give you and your baby the best start toward healthy futures. By maintaining healthy blood sugar levels with regular exercise, a sensible, balanced diet consisting of frequent meals throughout the day, and talking regularly with your doctor about occurring symptoms, women can still have a happy and healthy pregnancy even with gestational diabetes.

Amy Osmond Cook, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Association of Skilled Nursing Providers, Publisher of 39forlife.com, and CEO of Osmond Marketing. Follow her at @doctorosmond.

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