If you have found out you’re expecting, first of all – congratulations! Pregnancy should be one of the most thrilling times of your life. However, if you have a condition like diabetes, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure both you and the baby are safe and well. Here are some tips on how to effectively manage the condition throughout pregnancy.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Like we would advise any mum-to-be, following a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for you and the baby. You mustn’t cut out any important food groups. This is because it may not be safe and there could be complications. We understand eating healthily can be difficult at times, especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness. Should you be sick, this can affect your blood sugar levels. And if you use insulin, there’s a higher risk of having hypos. A hypo occurs when the level of sugar in your blood drops too low, which means you must remember to keep taking your insulin.
If you have difficulty keeping food down, there is help and support out there. You may wish to contact the London Diabetes Centre. They are a diabetes clinic in the capital who can help manage your condition by providing support plans and giving specialist help on ways to eat healthier for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Be Active
When you’re pregnant, you may see this as an opportunity to put your feet up and take things easy. While no one expects you to hit the gym every day, it is advised to factor in some exercise, especially if you have diabetes. Regular physical activity keeps your weight in check, improves blood sugar levels, and decreases stress.
There are various activities you can participate in that will keep you fit and active. These include swimming, walking, or even prenatal yoga. Make sure you find an exercise that interests you, otherwise, you’ll stay glued to the sofa!
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
It’s never safe to smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy, regardless of what conditions you have. However, should you drink during pregnancy, this can lead to long-term complications for your baby. What’s more, if you treat your diabetes with insulin, there is a higher risk of hypos if you drink alcohol.
For smokers, becoming pregnant may be the incentive to quit the habit for good. You’ll already be aware of the harm smoking can have on your unborn baby, especially when it comes to getting enough oxygen supply. If you live with somebody who smokes, second-hand smoke can affect you and the baby too. Don’t hesitate to contact your diabetes healthcare team as they’ll provide support and guidance.
Many expectant mothers often say that managing diabetes when pregnant is a full-time job in itself. With numerous tests, appointments, and scans to attend, it can take a ton of effort to monitor and keep your blood sugar levels in a safe range. However, as long as you’re cautious and follow all the above, this will minimise the risk of any complications and ensure you have a successful pregnancy and a healthy newborn.
