Who is at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes?

• With a family history of diabetes
• Who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• With body mass index (BMI) 30 or above making them obese or overweight
• Who have previously given birth to a baby weighing more than 4.5 kgs
• Who conceive after the age of 25 years
• Who have been diagnosed with prediabetes previously

How to deal with gestational diabetes?

• Consume a healthy diet: A dietician can help in creating a healthy meal plan for the pregnant mother to help control blood sugar levels. The diet would contain less processed foods and a larger portion of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Stay physically active: Regular exercising can help to lower blood sugar levels and support the effective utilization of insulin.
• Take medications: For women whose blood sugar cannot be controlled through diet and exercise, medications such as metformin (consumed orally) or insulin (injected into the body) may be prescribed.
• Checking blood glucose regularly: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended for pregnant women to avoid complications associated with gestational diabetes.

Can exercising help manage gestational diabetes?

Which exercises are best for women with gestational diabetes?

• Aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling, aquatic exercises and dancing.
• Strength training using weights or resistance bands two to three days per week.
• Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Pilates and yoga can also be done to improve overall strength and flexibility.

Can all pregnant women exercise?

• Restrictive lung disease (stiffness in the lungs)
• Bone-related problems
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorder or epilepsy
• Extreme obesity or underweight
• Chronic bronchitis
• Severe anaemia
• Eating disorder
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) after 28 weeks
• Previous history of spontaneous abortion
• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Cervical insufficiency (weak cervix)
• Persistent bleeding during the second or third trimester)
• Premature labour during the current pregnancy
• Preeclampsia (alarmingly high blood pressure during pregnancy)
• Placenta previa (attachment of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus)
• Other pregnancy complications

Which exercises should pregnant women avoid?

• Physical activities with a high risk of falling, such as skiing and horse riding.
• Exercises that require rapid changes in directions such as river rafting.
• Sports or activities that require extensive jumping, hopping or bouncing, such as basketball and volleyball
• Exercising in hot humid weather (especially during the first trimester)
• Exercises such as walking lunges or single-leg step-ups (especially during the third trimester)
• Exercises that require lying on the back or standing in the same position for too long
• Physical activities that require holding of breath

Takeaway