By: K. Newton
Pregnancy is a special time for the whole family. A new baby is about to be born, and there’s no knowing what that baby would look like and grow up to be. Pregnancy however is also an unfortunately dangerous time for both the mother and the unborn child. Pregnant women are more vulnerable than usual to illnesses, and they need to take extra precaution to guarantee not only personal health but also the well-being of the child inside their wombs.
Pregnancy and Diet Pregnant women often feel that their present condition gives them the license to eat whatever they want and as often as they wish. Although it’s safe for most of the women to do so, such an outlook isn’t exactly farsighted because overeating will lead to extra weight. Consequently, there’ll be more pounds to burn once they’ve given birth.
If a pregnant woman wants to be on the safe side, however, there is a proper diet prescribed for women in this condition. Such a diet however may have to undergo several changes if a pregnant woman has been proven to be diabetic or hypoglycemic as well.
Diabetes and Hypoglycemia While most people are aware of the conditions of diabetes, not all of them are equally cognizant of the facts about hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a condition wherein an individual’s glucose level becomes abnormally low. Glucose or blood sugar is needed by the body to function properly.
At times, however, hypoglycemia is the result of an overproduction of insulin by the pancreas. As you know, insulin is one of the medicines used to treat diabetes. Insulin can help transform sugar into energy.
Also, hypoglycemia can be caused by stress, the wrong diet, critical problems with the pancreas or the liver, and of course, pregnancy.
The Links between Pregnancy and Hypoglycemia Insulin resistance increases as a woman reaches the latter stages of her pregnancy. If the woman is suffering from Type II diabetes, she may find it necessary to take insulin intravenously to normalize the situation.
Oral medication for diabetes is very dangerous for pregnant women. If you haven’t informed your ob-gyn about this yet, you should do so as early as possible because oral medication has been known to cause birth defects.
Pregnant women should constantly monitor their blood sugar levels. It’s imperative that they make the necessary adjustments right after they find out that their glucose level is either too low or high. This will ensure that the health of the unborn child will not be affected. If left untreated, hypoglycemia has been known to cause a pregnant woman to faint. If she loses consciousness alone and worse, in a place where no one will be able to check on her periodically, this can cause further complications for her and the baby.
While regular exercise is certainly good for pregnant women, this will be made slightly more complicated if a pregnant woman happens to be diabetic as well. As such, she must test her glucose level prior and after her workout. It’s also better to always have a medical kit and some light snacks with her at all times, in the event that she has a sudden attack of hypoglycemia.
If you or your loved one is pregnant and diabetic, you or she must be always accompanied by someone who’s fully aware of both of your conditions, and what should be done if you suffer from hypoglycemia. When you’re pregnant, it’s not only your weight that’s doubled…the risks you face are twice as high as well. Take care and have a blessed birth!
