What Every Expecting Mum Needs to Know About Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Pregnancy is a time of unbridled joy and worries in equal measure. You anticipate the arrival of your newborn, yet you worry, incessantly. Understandably so, for every mum wants a healthy pregnancy and baby. One such worry that many pregnant mums have is that of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). While you may be experiencing mixed emotions when you are diagnosed with this condition, we are here to assure you that with the right measures, you can manage this and have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

GDM is a type of diabetes that can develop during your pregnancy. It works the same way as diabetes generally does and can cause high blood sugar. Left untreated, it can cause pregnancy complications such as excessive growth, premature delivery, respiratory distress syndrome, low blood sugar, stillbirth, and type 2 Diabetes later in life¹.

That’s exactly why all pregnant mothers are strongly encouraged to be screened for GDM. It’s always good to err on the side of caution and early diagnosis means early treatment. Early treatment reduces the risk of complications for both you and your baby. It also means that you will start making changes to your daily lifestyle and eating habits to control this condition.

It’s not uncommon for pregnant mums who are diagnosed with GDM to feel anxious or even guilty. We’d like to reassure you that GDM is not your fault, it can happen in many pregnancies. The most important thing that you can do to manage GDM is to start adopting healthy habits and seek the necessary treatment. Remember, healthy mum, healthy child!

The good news is that diabetes in pregnancy usually resolves itself after the baby is born. However, it may persist in a small group of mothers who will require long-term monitoring and treatment. The doctor will request another OGTT after delivery to assess condition ³

Here are the 4 Steps to Manage GDM

1. Monitor your blood sugar regularly

Keeping track of your blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy is an important part of managing GDM. Regular monitoring gives you confidence in managing diabetes because you understand how your lifestyle (e.g., diet, physical activity levels, stress) affects your blood sugar levels^3. Seek your doctor’s advice on your ideal blood sugar level and monitor your blood sugar often.

2. Keep to a Healthy Diet

Mums, we understand those cravings during pregnancy, but it’s especially important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet if you have GDM. You don’t have to go on a specific diet, just eat from the different food groups at every meal. See here for a guide to achieve a well-balanced, healthy, diet plan.

3. Maintain an Active Lifestyle, Get Moving!

Yes, we know, sometimes pregnancy just makes you want to crawl into bed and not want to leave. We feel you, Mama, but keeping active during pregnancy will help to keep your GDM in check. A word of caution though, please check with your doctor before you start any exercise program. If you get the greenlight, here are some easy ways to be a healthy mum and keep active during pregnancy:

• Whether it’s simple household chores, a walk to the supermarket, a stroll in the park, or even window shopping, just keep moving!
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity like swimming, modified yoga or Pilates, or simply brisk walking
• Build strength by doing body weight exercises like lunges and squats, or exercises with light weights or resistance bands

Remember, take it easy, and don’t push yourself too hard. The purpose is to keep active, not to do anything too strenuous. If you feel any pain or discomfort, listen to your body and stop!

4. Healthy Mind, Healthy Mum – Take Care of Your Mental Well Being

• Have a clear understanding of GDM from reputable sources like your healthcare team (doctors, nurses, dietitian) and authoritative websites (e.g. HPB GDM Webpage) instead of creating anxiety by reading things on the Internet
• Speak to your doctor if you have questions or feel overwhelmed
• Get support and tips from your family and friends by sharing your thoughts and feelings about GDM with them
• Join support groups or talk to other mums who are also dealing with GDM

What to Do After Delivery

As we mentioned earlier, GDM usually resolves after pregnancy but if you had it, you are more susceptible to pre-diabetes or diabetes in the future. Do set aside time to attend your follow-up visit to the gynaecologist at around 6 to 12 weeks postpartum as it is key to detecting diabetes early. In addition, breastfeeding, along with the host of benefits it offers for a healthy mum and healthy child, also reduces your risk of developing diabetes. So, if you can, mama, breastfeed! Lastly, continue to have healthy habits and lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of both you and your baby developing diabetes later in life!

Remember, mums, it is within your control to adopt healthy habits and to keep GDM in check. For more information on diagnosing and managing GDM, visit the Parent Hub GDM Webpage and equip yourself with the necessary information. Remember, a healthy mum raises a healthy child so stay healthy!

References

1. www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1700/guide-3-keeping-gestational-diabetes-in-check
2. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1606/gestational-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know
3. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/183/parent-hub/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes