Pregnancy can change any woman’s life. Bringing a child into the world can be a rewarding experience for some new mothers. Though, it does require a few life changes. It’s especially a big life change if you have gestational diabetes. Diabetes and pregnancies are two of the most health-concerning issues that plague Black America. Thousands of Black Americans suffer from high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. In the same breath, we also face a high mortality rate from pregnancy-related causes. Many women suffer from gestational diabetes as well. It’s a double-edged sword. Fortunately, there are ways for patients to combat the chronic disease and protect the development of their child.
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How We Overcome Diabetes While Pregnant
Learning to better manage your blood sugar levels during your pregnancy could be both beneficial to you and your child. In fact, managing your diabetes is crucial in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
According to UCLA Health, unmanaged diabetes could negatively impact the development of your unborn baby. Specifically, it can cause defects in the heart and brain of your child. New mothers must always monitor their glucose levels for the sake of their baby.
Here are five important steps women can take to better manage their gestational Diabetes during their pregnancy.
RELATED: Snacking When You Have Gestational Diabetes
1. Get Checked Out
It goes without saying that whenever you’re making a big life change that could affect your health, you should always consult your doctor. For new moms, they should definitely seek advice from their doctor about possibly becoming pregnant.
Schedule an appointment with both your primary care doctor and obstetrician to talk about your upcoming pregnancy. Even after your pregnancy has been confirmed, you should still continue your doctor’s visit.
Checking up on things like the baby’s progress, and your blood sugar levels, and getting a dilated eye exam can really help ensure you have a smooth-sailing pregnancy.
2. Throw Away Your Meds
Speaking of consulting with your doctor, you should also avoid taking medications that could negatively impact your pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to stop or change your usage of the cholesterol and hypertension drugs prescribed for your gestational diabetes.
In fact, some medications can lead to severe complications for your child. It’s always best to know
