Gestational Diabetes: Postpartum Care
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasingly common in pregnancy. GDM is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and then resolves after delivery. A new study shows that the rate of GDM increased by 30% from 2016 to 2020. Even though GDM typically resolves after delivery, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes down the road is as high as 60%; therefore, taking steps to keep yourself healthy is important. In today’s post, I’ll share tips for staying healthy after pregnancy to help you prevent type 2 diabetes.
Blood sugars typically go back to normal as soon as the placenta is delivered. You likely won’t need to test your blood sugars once you are discharged from the hospital. If you were taking insulin while pregnant, you’ll be happy to hear you won’t have to anymore.
After delivery, one of the last things on your mind is eating healthy and exercising, which are two of the most important things when it comes to diabetes prevention. But there are steps you can take from the moment you deliver your baby to help get you on the right path to diabetes prevention.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is beneficial for all moms and babies, but especially for women who have had GDM during pregnancy. It helps lower blood sugar levels and may help to prevent diabetes in babies that breastfeed. It is recommended for women with GDM to breastfeed for at least 6 months.
Eating after delivery
Every mom likes to indulge after delivery. This isn’t a problem as long as you get back to a balanced diet once you get home. It can be challenging to eat healthy while caring for a newborn, but planning ahead and having quick healthy options on hand can help. You won’t need to be as strict with your carbohydrate intake as you were during your pregnancy, but you’ll want to be mindful and choose high-fiber carbs in smaller portions. Also, be sure to pair carb sources with lean proteins and healthy fats. If you’d like help with meal planning after delivery, make an appointment with a registered dietitian!
Sleep
Though sleep may be hard to come by with a newborn, getting adequate sleep may help prevent diabetes. It’s easier said than done, but try to nap when you can throughout the day to get as much rest as possible. It will get easier as your baby gets older and starts sleeping for longer stretches at night.
Stress management
Being the parent of a newborn can be stressful, but it’s still important to find ways to relax and manage stress. High stress levels over time can lead to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Be sure to find time to do things you enjoy with or without your baby, such as reading, going on walks, listening to music, or seeing friends and family. Also be sure to rely on your partner, friends, or family to help out with things around the house so that you have time to rest.
Exercise
You may not be able to jump back into exercise right away, but if your doctor okays it, start with short walks and build up as you are able to. Ideally, you’ll want to get back to 30-60 minutes of moderate-paced activity most days of the week to lower your risk for diabetes.
Having GDM during pregnancy does not mean you will develop type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and being active are all ways that you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
