You're halfway through your pregnancy; everything appears fine. You're feeling good. Then at about week 24, your doctor has you complete a routine glucose test. The test comes back and you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. (GD)

Don't panic! If treated, gestational diabetes will not pose a threat to you or baby. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), gestational diabetes affects about 18 percent of pregnant woman. Having gestational Diabetes is a hormone that helps your baby develop and also interferes insulin in your body. This ending result: "HIGH" blood sugar.

Week 24-28 Though many women have no symptoms, you may experience mild ones like frequent thirst, increased urination, fatigue, or weight loss. Your OBGYN should give you a oral glucose test and this will indicate in more in detail what your results are. If it is elevated, get prepared to map out a management plan with you Doctor.

Week 29-32 To learn how to keep your blood sugar under control, consisted exercise and a strict diet of three medium size with snacks in between per day should do it. Eating moderate levels of complex carbs: Fruits, veggies, whole grains and rice, but minimizing candy, fruit juices, and desserts. If diet and exercise does not seem to be controlling your blood sugar, you may be started on insulin prescribed by your doctor.

Week 33-36 Poorly managed gestational diabetes can cause your baby to gain excessive weight, possibly leading to complications during childbirth. Your healthcare provider should be closely monitoring you for for overall size and growth rate.

Week 37-40 Time to have your baby! According to the ADA, pregnant women with GD tend to have larger babies. In the first few days after birth your baby may have low blood sugar, do not fret, you and baby will be normal in no time.

However, keep in mind that if you developed GD during pregnancy, chances are you could be at risk in the future for type 2 diabetes. So, be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent this and talk to your health care provider for further informational details or concerns.

If you like to know or read more information discussing this topic, the book by Catherine Kim called Gestational Diabetes During and After Pregnancy is very informational.

Best wishes through your pregnancy :)

-Natasha Baker, Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA Trained)

Husbands and partners of new mom's need to read this link:http://ow.ly/d376x Dads, Let's take the time to help mom's during postpartum. They always need continuous care & love :) LET'S GO CLOTHE DIAPERING!!!Go hit the Bumbledoo store in our area or go LIKE their FB page :) 

LOCATION: 231 Franklin St. Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301 HOURS: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Phone(910) 483-3445 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.bumbledoo.com

GO GREEN!

Any postpartum mom's looking for a good bra for breast-feeding, this link will direct you to see some great items: http://www.thebrapatch.com/
Remember whether you're a first time or experienced mom, you are not alone and can contact me for support anytime during your pregnancy :) I thought this YouTube video was very funny about breastfeeding. Despite that it is a Luvs commercial and advertises their diapers. It's still funny. I However encourage, recommend and suggest clothe diapers to $ave $$ & our environment!!! GO GREEN! Happy Pregnancy gals :)
Natasha Baker, Doula

Links and good reads: Go check' em out peeps :))
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/johnson-and-johnson-removing-harsh-chemicals-from-adult-toiletries-and-cosmetic-products-by-2015/2012/08/15/5d0d67c6-e6c0-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_print.html

http://www.lamaze.org/PushForYourBaby

https://twitter.com/pregnancyorg/status/235714978563379201
Excercise is best during your pregnancy and helps later on with faster/easier labor :)

http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/breastfeeding-benefits.html
Breast is best for mom, baby and many more... Just follow the link read this information in brestfeeding magazine. Awesome!!!