Pregnant mothers only want the best healthcare for their body and child, making it very important to be aware of health complications and inflictions that can occur during this stage. Many may not know that there exists a type of diabetes that only develops during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss gestational diabetes, its risks, and how to avoid it during pregnancy.

Facts about gestational diabetes

• It is caused by high blood sugar (glucose) levels
• It usually occurs during late pregnancy (usually around the 24th week)
• Symptoms of gestational diabetes include frequent urination, persistent thirst and blurred vision
• Gestational diabetes can be detected through sugar in blood or urine

How does it happen?

• Gestational diabetes happens when a pregnant mother's body is not able to process glucose (sugar) in the blood due to poor insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas which helps use glucose for energy.
• The hormones produced by the placenta are known to cause insulin resistance, which leads to gestational diabetes

How does it affect the baby?

• Blood sugar that remains high can cause the baby to grow very large (nine pounds or more)
• A very large baby has an increased chance of being overweight, obese or diabetic later in life 

How to avoid and manage gestational diabetes

• Chances of getting gestational diabetes are higher for moms who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of diabetes
• Your blood sugar levels can be kept in target range  through healthy eating, light physical activity, and insulin shots (if prescribed by your OB-gyne)

With proper care, nutrition, and medical treatment, gestational diabetes should not stop pregnant moms from having a healthy, successful pregnancy. Avoiding excess weight gain and eating healthy food with the key nutrients you need during pregnancy are just some of the ways to help prevent and manage this condition.  

Anmum Materna  can support a healthy diet during pregnancy because it provides you with the key nutrients you need during pregnancy without the added excessive calories. You need take about 3,500 kcal in order to gain 1lb of body weight. Two (2) glasses of Anmum are just enough to meet the additional +300kcal needed during pregnancy. Proven to have a low Glycemic Index rating, mothers with gestational diabetes need not worry about rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Remember these key points in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle will go a long way for both the mother and the baby.

Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/gestationaldiabetes.html
http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetespregnancy/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000896.htm