Question:
My wife developed gestational diabetes during her first pregnancy.
If she were to become pregnant again - is there a means of her
minimizing the risk of developing gestational diabetes via diet,
exercise or ??? We have not been able to find any definitive answers
to this question. Are there any studies which have looked at prevention?
Answer:
Gestational diabetes is a controversial topic, largely ignored
in other countries where it is recognized that a change in
maternal glucose levels is normal during pregnancy. Although
most U.S. practitioners "test and treat" for GD, they may fail
to inform clients that studies show no improvement in outcomes
for women who are treated vs. those who aren't. It does make
you wonder about the value of screening and treatment.
Lots more information at:
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gestdiab.html
- Ronnie
P.S. There's a huge difference between "gestational diabetes"
and true diabetes, which persists after the birth. True diabetes
presents additional risk and is best treated medically.
Ronnie Falcao, LM, MS - homebirth midwife,
labor coach, prenatal hypnotherapist
Mountain View, California, near San Jose, south of San Francisco, CA, USA
ron...@gentlebirth.org
http://www.gentlebirth.org/ronnie/
