Every 16 women out of 100 are known to develop high blood sugar level conditions during pregnancy in India. Since the condition is highly seen during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. These increased blood sugar levels usually disappear after childbirth when proper care is followed.

Many women with gestational diabetes had healthy pregnancies and healthy babies with all the necessary precautionary steps. However, the chances of having type 2 diabetes are often and require proper care post-childbirth to ensure yours and newborns’ health.

Here are some best tips to handle gestational diabetes post-childbirth!

1. Keep up the healthy weight with high nutritional diet

   There will be considerable fluctuations in weight gain and loss during and after pregnancy. Maintaining blood sugar levels requires a healthy weight, which plays a significant role in insulin supply. Increased weight usually obstructs and heightens the instability of insulin flow. Hence, try to reduce or maintain a healthy weight soon after childbirth. High nutritional and low carbohydrates diet will help you achieve that.

2. Be physically active with regular exercise

   Exercise is another excellent way to keep your blood sugar in control. A moderate level of exercise or walking for about 30 minutes a day will initiate smoother metabolism. However, seek your doctor’s guidance on when you can start with moderate exercise after delivery.

3. Do not stop breastfeeding  

   There are many misconceptions when it comes to breastfeeding with gestational diabetes. But, it is highly safe, and your doctors will suggest you feed your baby within 30 minutes after labor. Generally, newborns with gestational diabetes have lower insulin levels and require stability. Breastfeeding controls the levels of insulin in your newborn and normalizes them within hours after intact care.

4. Check your blood glucose levels as frequently as possible 

   You are checked with your sugar levels before you leave the hospital and 6 weeks post-delivery. If both the tests turn out normal, then the chances of having diabetes 2 conditions are nominal. However, the risks are high and require a continuous check to avoid further complications.

5. Plan your next pregnancy to avoid fetus damage risks  

   If you want to get pregnant in the future, planning with your doctor will help you. Let them know your previous gestational diabetes issue and keep track of your blood sugar levels before you get pregnant. High amounts of blood sugar in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy can impact the developing baby. Thus, proper monitoring is highly encouraged.

   As mentioned earlier, most of the time, gestational diabetes disappears post-childbirth. However, the measures mentioned above reduce the risk of developing diabetes 2 conditions.

You can know more about gestational diabetes here. 

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before making any decision.