Pregnancy can be filled with joys and challenges. One health issue that some expectant mothers can face is gestational diabetes. It’s usually not on parents’ radars as this condition can appear out of the blue. And you can develop gestational diabetes even if you’ve never had diabetes.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes is important because you can manage it effectively with the right information and support. Looking out for those symptoms is something a doula can help with.
Keep reading to learn more about gestational diabetes, what you need to know and how doulas, which are covered by insurance, can help you stay on top of the condition.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can affect any pregnant mother. This condition raises your blood glucose (sugar) level, and your body can’t make enough insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas. Gestational diabetes can pose various risks for you and your baby.
While the medical community isn’t entirely sure what causes gestational diabetes, it is thought that hormones produced during pregnancy can affect the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, causing high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes and Diagnosis
Some women with gestational diabetes might experience increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and nausea. However, most women with the condition don’t notice any symptoms. That’s why routine screening is key during pregnancy. Typically, you’ll be screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy using a glucose challenge test. This involves drinking a sugary solution and measuring your blood sugar an hour later. You may need a follow-up glucose tolerance test if your results are higher than expected. This more comprehensive test involves fasting overnight, drinking a glucose solution and checking your blood sugar multiple times over three hours.
Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but some factors increase your risk, such as
- Being overweight or obese before pregnancy.
- Having a family history of diabetes.
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (POS).
- Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- Having previously given birth to a baby over 9 pounds.
- Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander person.
Preventing Gestational Diabetes
Knowing the risk factors is important in preventing gestational diabetes because it allows you to take proactive steps to prevent the condition. Here are some general tips:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim to keep your weight within a healthy range. This can significantly reduce your risk.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively. Whether walking, swimming or prenatal yoga, find an activity you enjoy and do it regularly.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy, there are ways to manage it. First, it’s essential to attend regular prenatal check-ups. Your doctor may also schedule extra appointments to closely monitor your baby’s growth and development. Eating healthily and staying active are other essential components of managing gestational diabetes.
Doula Support in Managing Gestational Diabetes
A doula is a trained professional who supports a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth. They can help you work towards your healthiest pregnancy and birth. While a doula doesn’t provide medical advice, they can support you emotionally and physically throughout your pregnancy, including discussing gestational diabetes and prenatal testing with you.
You can also lean on your doula for any questions you may have when it comes to pregnancy and bring up worries or concerns. A doula can also help you maintain a healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy and make recommendations like a nutritionist, doctor, prenatal fitness classes and more.
If you do develop gestational diabetes, your doula can support you by helping you understand and manage the condition. During labor and delivery, your doula can also remind healthcare providers to monitor your blood sugar levels and ensure they stay within a safe range.
It’s helpful for pregnant people to have an ally in their journey to parenthood. A doula can be that person, in addition to friends and family. A doula’s presence can help you feel more confident and less stressed during your pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Additionally, it is becoming more common for health insurance plans to cover doula services. MassHealth insurance plans in Massachusetts, and most insurance plans in Rhode Island cover doula care (check your coverage).
Click here to find out what free, insurance-covered services you can access. Let Flourish Care check your coverage today.