Gestational Diabetes Information

Motherhood is so sweet!

Indoor Prenatal Exercises

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indoor prenatal exercisesWhen the weather is cold, wet, or otherwise inclement, it is easy to use it as an excuse to skip out on your regular workout. One more excuse is the last thing you or anyone else needs, especially when it comes to getting regular exercise during your pregnancy.

Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, along with a balanced diet. Getting at least a few minutes of regular cardiovascular exercise daily can help you with everything from morning sickness to all of the challenges that come with your ever growing body. Exercise is even more beneficial for women with gestational diabetes, as it can help to stabilize your blood glucose levels. [Read more…]

What Symptoms Do You Experience At 15 Weeks Pregnant?

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First the good news. The most horrible symptoms you have been experiencing till now – nausea, fatigue, excessive moodiness and of course, morning sickness will start letting off now. As the days go by, you will feel better and better. Of course there are potentially some more troublesome ahead – but they are far away now. So, this is the perfect time to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Let us look at what is happening to your body at this moment.

WEIGHT GAIN

By now on average, women gain up to five pounds. (In case of twins, it could be up to twenty pounds.) However, this is but an average. So, don’t be worried if you have gained either too little or too less. Every woman and every pregnancy is different.  Listen to your doctor about what amount you should gain.

GAS

Unpleasant but inevitable. Gas and flatulence will be something you will have to learn to deal with for some time.

During your pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone will be spiking. This relaxes the muscles of gastrointestinal tract. As a result, your digestive system slows down. What you get because of this is gas and bloating.

The solution?

Consider using Tums and trying to exercise a little more by walking to keep your digestive tract moving after meals.

HEARTBURN

The villain in this is also progesterone. Because of the increase in the levels of this hormone, the lower esophageal sphincter (to put it simply the valve that connects the stomach with the esophagus) gets relaxed. This leaves the valve open and gastric acid from the stomach flows into the esophagus. It is this acid, which creates the sensation of heartburn. Usually right behind your breastbone.

If the heartburn becomes too severe, you can speak to your doctor who will prescribe medication.  Taking antacids that are calcium based are a good option.

You can also take some simple precautions. Avoid spicy or fatty foods, acidic food and fizzy carbonated drinks.

SLEEPLESSLNESS

It is said that more than 70% of women experience insomnia at this stage of their pregnancy. This could be compounded by various factors like frequent urination, leg cramps and sometimes even the restless leg syndrome. At this time, your belly has also started growing larger. This interferes with your regular sleeping position, further disturbing your sleep.

But do not be dismayed. There are some sleeping aids like the pregnancy pillow that can help you sleep during this difficult time. You can also try meditation, or some simple yoga positions.

EXCESS SALIVA

You may find yourself producing more saliva than normal. Some women may even need to spit out regularly. Strange and uncomfortable as it may sound, it is actually quite normal.

One benefit of excess saliva – it may help your body to fight heartburn.

PAIN

Though this is not common, it can happen and is not really a cause to worry. As your baby grows inside you, the ligaments supporting the uterus also start growing to support this. This is what causes sharp abdominal pain.

STUFFY NOSE

Another side of hormone change. Because of the hormonal upheavals happening inside you, the mucous membranes present in your nose can swell up. This causes the feeling of nasal congestion or stuffy nose. However, this happens without any other signs of cold or illness.  You could use a sinus nasal rinse to keep the congestion down without harming the baby.

This is one symptom that will keep on coming and going as your body adjusts to the rising hormone levels.

BLEEDING GUMS

It is those naughty hormones at work again. They change the way your gum react to bacteria. The result – gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.

Sometimes you may even have small swellings in your gums. These are called pregnancy tumors and are completely harmless and will go away on their own after you deliver.

But here’s the scary part. If you do not take care of your teeth and gums during the pregnancy, the gingivitis can then mature into a full-fledged infection called periodontitis. And this can sometimes cause premature labor.

So, keep your toothbrush, floss and mouthwash handy.

HEADACHES

There are many reasons why you get headaches during pregnancy. The most common of course is hormonal changes. Other reasons could be fatigue, stress, increased hunger or even congestion.

Unfortunately, because you are pregnant you cannot just pop a painkiller to fight the headache. However, when you do get a headache, these are the things you can do to get some relief.

1. Spend some time in the dark: A few minutes will do. This works best on stress related headaches. If you are not at home, you can try to get a quiet place and close your eyes while putting your feet up for about twenty minutes or so.

2. Steam Inhalation: This works wonders for sinus headaches.

However, the best thing would be to prevent the headaches. For that, you can try these simple steps.

a. Get Enough Rest: Take frequent rest breaks. Try to keep your feet up. However, do not sleep too much, as that too can trigger a headache.

b. Fresh Air: Stay away from congested and stuffy places. Keep a window open.

c. Eat Regularly: As the old cliché goes – you are now eating for two. So, keep some nutritious snacks handy at all times. This will keep your blood sugar on the level and reduce the chances of headaches.

DIZZINESS

This is actually a good sign. It means that your circulatory system is growing and your blood production is not being able to match it quickly enough. As a result, sometimes there may not be enough blood flow to the brain and you feel dizzy.

CONFUSION

Did you lock the door when leaving the house? Or did you not? Did you forget where you were supposed to have a meeting?

Well occasional memory lapses are common. The reason – hormonal changes combined with lack of sleep. So, there’s really no need to worry.

KICKS AND NUDGES

Your baby is getting bigger. So, by now you will be able to feel it quite more clearly. Nudges, kicks and other baby movements are much more clearer.

GREAT DAYS AHEAD

This is the ideal time to start preparing yourself for the future. Learn new postures to accommodate your baby, start putting on weight (you will need to put on a pound per week), and begin your conversation with your child by beginning to speak to it.  You will find that reading to him/her at night is a peaceful way to end your day and very positive for the child.  Or have your partner read to the baby, and the baby will learn both of your voices and find comfort in them once born.

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Swimming Is A Great Exercise For Gestational Diabetics

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exercise for gestational diabeticsDo you ever feel like you can’t get comfortable or enjoy exercise?  I live in a hot environment and it was so hard to get myself to start walking, even though I knew it was good for my diabetes.  So I found a good way to feel cool by swimming. It helps build stamina, keeps your joints and muscles supple, develops strength and releases stress. Swimming is also quite therapeutic and many people feel very relaxed from being in water. It’s a great way to unwind and even come up with creative ideas for life and work.  The calmness of the water just makes you relax.  Especially if you are having a hard time exercising, you will find the water a very easy way to exercise.

Here are a few more reasons why swimming/water exercise is a great all-around exercise. [Read more…]

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Being 24 Weeks Pregnant?

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24 weeks pregnantYou’re well into the 6th month of pregnancy, and you are probably already reading and singing to your unborn baby. This is actually the only time you’ll be happy about weight gain, knowing that those extra pounds are beneficial for your baby’s growth. Ensure your daily diet contains a lot of vegetables, fresh fruits and other such foods which are rich in iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamins. At this time, the pregnancy symptoms are normally lighter, but there maybe some unpleasant pains and aches you might experience. Here are the signs and symptoms of being 24 weeks pregnant:

1. Backaches

When you are changing in shape and gaining a new balance center, not to mention the additional pressure the growing uterus is exerting on your body, a backache is quite common during this stage. If the back pain is too severe, you can talk to a doctor. You might also want to get some prenatal massages. There are spas that offer prenatal massages, that are provided by professional masseuses who are well trained in helping you relax during your pregnancy. Be sure you mention your particular due date when booking your appointment. There are also a few things which you do in order to reduce the backaches occurrence. You can start bending your knees, and keeping the back straight whenever you lift something, however, do not pick up anything that’s too heavy. Also, you should sit straight up, and use a pad or a pillow to support the lower back.

2. Constipation

Constipation is another symptom that might continue to trouble you all through your entire pregnancy. Ensure you include fiber rich food in your daily diet, drink lots of liquids, and if your doctor approves, exercise for about 30 minutes a day. Such simple lifestyle changes will help relieve constipation. In case your constipation is too severe, consult with your doctor. He/she might be able to offer a stool softener that’s safe for pregnancy.

3. Forgetfulness

This is another annoying pregnancy symptom which may strike. Hormonal changes, stress and fatigue may contribute to you getting more forgetful. In order to cope with the problem, ensure you keep a close track of all tasks, meetings and appointments. Set alarms, use a planner, or/and keep notebook near at all times.  Sometimes I felt like my brain was Swiss cheese, and it took a while after the baby was born for the fog to clear up.  Rest assured, it’s normal to become a little absentminded.

4. Congestion

You might find that the nose is runny or stuffy, and you’ve no sign of having a viral infection or allergy. This type of condition is known as rhinitis of pregnancy. It is caused by higher levels of body hormones which swell the mucous membranes that are lining your nose. In order for you to cope with the problem, sleep with the head propped. It might also help if you take a steamy bath or shower. Using a vaporizer or humidifier at night may also give you relief from the congestion.

5. Food cravings

An increase in your overall appetite is 1 of the more pleasant pregnancy symptoms which you might notice. It is not uncommon for mothers who are expecting to be constantly hungry. You may struggle with food cravings. While it is okay to give into the food cravings, just ensure you continue eating healthy and making nutritious food choices. Don’t devour everything that’s available in the fridge.  And remember if you have gestational diabetes, continue to follow your meal plan.

6. Weight gain

If you are average-sized, weight gain at twenty four weeks pregnant is usually between 15-17 pounds. In case you were somewhat under weight when you started , you’ll want to gain some few more pounds, and in case you were obese or overweight, you will need to gain lesser pounds.

Other signs and symptoms:

-Indigestion and heartburn
-Braxton hicks contractions
-Linea nigra
-Swelling or edema on the legs and arms
-Itchy, dry eyes and sensitivity to light
-Leg cramps
-Blurred vision
-Back pains as well as aches on the ribs, joints and hips
-Stretch marks, particularly on your hips, abdomen and breasts
-Feeling dizzy or feeling faint when you get up way too quickly after sitting or staying in a lying position for an extended period of time (this happens since the increased volume of blood slows down the bloods’ circulation, thus temporarily lowering the blood pressure)
-Mood swings and depression
-Itchy rash on your expanding belly, back and thighs
-Some dark patches on some skin areas and also skin tags

When to consult a doctor

-When having the symptoms of vaginal bleeding and/or spotting with menstrual like abdominal cramp or dull lower back pains, feeling great pressure in the pelvic region, diarrhea, uterine contraction or/and leaking thin and clear fluid (combination of the aforementioned symptoms may indicate preterm labor)
-Persistent headaches along with extreme tiredness/fatigue, sudden vision changes, sudden swelling near the feet and ankles, upper stomach pains and breath shortness (this may indicate pre eclampsia)
-Having the combination of symptoms which include: severe fatigue, severe nausea, extreme thirst, vision problem and increased need to urinate (this may indicate gestational diabetes)
-One sided abdominal pain, blood in the urine, pain during urination and a urinary tract infection (this may indicate the development of kidney stone(s) as pregnancy usually increases risks of the condition)
-Burning sensations during urination accompanied by lower back pains, yellowish jelly like discharge or a thick white discharge (this may indicate a kidney infection or a yeast infection)
-Experiencing mild stomach cramps, light spotting, pelvic pressure or/and a change in the vaginal discharge (this may indicate an open cervix or a cervical insufficiency)
-Diarrhea or severe vomiting which lasts for more than 24 hours

Tips

-You can use over the counter eye drops (after you consult with your doctor), to fight the itchy and dry eyes.
-Keep your feet elevated when sitting down as this helps to reduce swelling.
-Follow a light exercise plan or routine (you can go for short walks every day), or you can do prenatal yoga, as this helps in maintaining good posture, fighting 2nd trimester symptoms such as back aches and edema, as well as it prepares the body for the labor stage and delivery.
-Start keeping count of the baby’s movement.
-Practice sleeping on the left side as this improves the blood circulation in the body; lying on the back basically restricts the flow of blood to placenta by exerting pressure on major veins.
-Consult your doctor prior to using products such as hair color, stretch mark creams or/and moisturizers.

Hope this helps you to at least feel better about the sometimes difficult side effects of pregnancy.  You are bringing life into the world, and it’s a life that is important, so don’t forget that.  And it’s temporary.  Join our mailing list to hear more!