After discovering they are pregnant, many women decide they can now eat whatever they desire-no consequences. Surely, the cravings and extra tummy grumbling should be satisfied. Any extra calories will help that wee one grow healthier and stronger. If only that fallacy of thought is true. Unfortunately, the truth may be hard to swallow, along with that extra serving of ice cream. Instead, it is important to understand about gestational diabetes and the reality of eating for two.
When Sweets are not Sweet
Pregnancy is a truly and awesome experience for many women and their families. The idea of nurturing a baby in the womb is amazing-especially with the first child. The body goes through a lot of changes in a relatively short period of time. So, it is no wonder that craving and hunger are more pronounced. In fact, some women actually feel ill, if their stomachs are left empty for too long. But, it does not justify eating a massive amount of sweets and indulging every favored treat.
Instead, during pregnancy is the most important time to make healthy eating choices. After all, most mothers do not feed their children candy bars, ice cream and potato chips. Instead, they provide a well-balance and nutritious diet that includes fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and proteins.
Sweets will not be so sweet, if mom gains 40-50 pounds during pregnancy, and 30-40 extra pounds are left over, after the baby is delivered. However, it will become an even more serious problem if mom is diagnosed with gestational diabetes because she has been eating for two. Throwing caution to the wind and eating everything that is not nailed down is only asking for trouble.
Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes
The free-for-all with food will come to an abrupt and devastating halt, when mom is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Now, it is absolutely essential to eat to live and not live to eat. After all, the mom-to-be must begin to live for two, rather than eating for two. In many cases, a proper diet and exercise program will be what is required to control blood sugar levels and bring them back to normal.
Nevertheless, moms that disregard new dietary requirements will ultimately put themselves and their babies in danger. Moms are in danger of developing preeclampsia. A fancy word for pregnancy high blood pressure, it can cause strokes or heart attacks, regardless of age or health prior to pregnancy. Mom may also suffer from urinary tract infections, and she is increasing the chances of developing Type II diabetes later in life.
If that is not enough reason to follow prescribed dietary changes, consider the health of that precious baby. Children of diabetic moms tend to gain weight abnormally fast, which only complicates delivery, among other issues. The baby is more like to have a severe shock to the system, due to a rapid decrease in blood sugar after birth. The baby can suffer seizures. Children adversely affected by gestational diabetes are also more likely to experience jaundice and have developmental problems as they grow. In addition, the chances of having Type II diabetes as an adult are greatly increased.
Dietary Changes
Rather than taking any unnecessary chances, follow the dietary changes suggested by the doctor and the nutritionist. First, it is important to check blood sugar levels regularly, after every meal, and see the effects of food. If the dietary changes do not bring the sugar level down to a normal level, it will be vital to contact the doctor. It may be necessary to begin insulin shots for the duration of the pregnancy.
Second, meal habits much changed. Mom needs to eat on a regular schedule. Instead of 3 big meals a day, it will be important to eat 6 small meals each day. The dietician will provide a meal plan that will include breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and snack. It will be vital to adhere to the menu plan, regardless of what the other family members choose to eat.
For example, fruit juice or cereal will not be a part of breakfast any longer. Controlling sugar intake first thing in the morning is essential. Also, it will probably be the lightest meal of the day. Even if mom still feels hungry after breakfast, it will not be more than a couple of hours until the prescribed snack will ease the hunger pangs. The same can be said for all of the small meals. In time, it will not seem like such a sacrifice.
In short, the risks of disregarding gestational diabetes are too great. Not only can it cause harm to the mom, it will put that growing little life in danger now and in the future. Whether it is simply strict diabetes dietary changes, or insulin shots are necessary, it will definitely be worth the sacrifice to deliver a healthy baby boy or girl.