Pregnancy is the most beautiful yet delicate phase of a woman’s life. And if another significant condition combines with it, you can well imagine the physical as well as mental stress. One such situation could be when diabetes comes with pregnancy or vice versa.
Diabetes in pregnancy could be due to obesity or in the following situations:
A type 1 diabetic lady undertakes pregnancy
A type 2 diabetic lady undertakes pregnancy (pre gestational diabetes)
(Although, pre- gestational diabetes may hinder easy conception, it’s not impossibility)
A non- diabetic lady undertakes pregnancy and raises blood sugars towards the third trimester (gestational diabetes); to which obese women are more prone.
Pre gestational diabetes essentially needs meticulous control before conception. This reduces possibility of fetal malformations almost to the same level as seen in non- diabetics.
In gestational diabetes too, maintaining a normal blood glucose level is the key towards a healthy mother and baby duo. However, gestational diabetes could well be avoided by keeping weight in check and nourishing your hormones with healthy food before conceiving.
The possible health risks that may occur in mother and baby due to uncontrolled blood glucose:
For mother:
Birth trauma, increased chances of caesarean delivery, increased blood pressure, metabolic syndrome (syndrome X)
Fetus:
Birth trauma, increased insulin levels, weakened heart muscle function, large size baby, still birth
New born:
Difficulty in respiration, reduced calcium levels, reduced blood sugars, increased concentration of RBCs leading to blood viscosity, increased bilirubin levels
Child/adult:
Obesity, type II DM, metabolic syndrome
In spite of these health risks, in the current scenario, with the advent and advance in technologies, women can practically expect to deliver healthy babies. The medical therapy however, undoubtedly has to be supported by appropriate dietary interventions and a regular physical activity regime. The main aim being, achieving normal blood glucose along with providing optimum nutrition to fetus and mother; secondary aim is to prevent excessive maternal weight gain.
Tips to prevent obesity before and after conception and keep blood sugars under control:
Avoid eating lot of carbohydrates at one single meal. Understand your daily requirements from your dietitian and distribute them wisely through the day.
Always eat a combination food of carb- protein- fat- fibre- micronutrients (wholesome meal). This helps in reducing glycemic load, better absorption of all nutrients. Thus ensures optimum nutrition.
Avoid unnecessary fats derived from foods such as bakery products, fried foods, creams, preserved foods, fast foods, margarine, etc. Include essential fats as flax seeds, fish oils, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, safflower seeds and sunflower seeds.
Have small and frequent meals (2-3 hourly).
Consume plenty of fluids (3.5- 4 litres).
Vegetables, fruits, salads, fenugreek seeds, oats, lemons, Indian gooseberry, asparagus, kale, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. that are good sources of fiber, vitamin C, copper, zinc, proteins, etc. may work well.
Include special foods only if you are not taking iron, folic acid and calcium supplementation.
Ensure your body’s current nutrient/micro-nutrient status before starting with any supplementation as excess of anything is not good!
Beware of the ‘fat free’ labels. To compensate for fat, greater amount of salt and sugar is added, that tempts you to eat more.
Say ‘NO’ to sugar free products. They only have sugar substitutes. Fat content still remains high.
Continue your routine activities unless discouraged by your doctor/health care specialist.
Have a good sleep.
For pregnant type I and type II diabetics specially, it is essential to follow up with their respective dietitians throughout pregnancy so as to regulate their caloric intake, excess weight gain and insulin shots; since with each trimester, caloric needs increase.
Prohibit alcohol and smoking.
Remember, your health determines the well being of angel growing inside your womb. So, why not make it an easy task by starting as early as ‘now’. Have a happy pregnancy!
