You can be a healthy eater, exercise regularly, have normal weight gain during pregnancy, have zero family history– and you can still get gestational diabetes. I know, because I had it with three of my pregnancies. Because it’s caused by the hormones in your placenta making you insulin resistant, genetics and lifestyle are only a piece of the puzzle. For me, it was another curveball in a complicated reproductive history that made my pregnancies after loss even more difficult. And for many moms, the diagnosis can be difficult (and emotional) to hear. With questions about how it will affect your pregnancy, baby and overall health– not to mention the idea of being on a very strict diet while pregnant (no milkshakes for this mama when they were ALL I was craving!)– it can all be overbearing. I’m here to tell you though– it does get easier and with support– which is crucial to navigate all things in motherhood, it can be managed. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to get some of my questions answered at the Diabetes Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, and see how they are helping moms understand the condition.
Monitoring and management are crucial for moms with gestational diabetes
Cathy Melitski Tully had gestational diabetes with her three pregnancies, too. She relied on the Diabetes Center‘s program to help her learn proper portion control, how to count her carbs, eat enough fiber and protein with each meal, and test her blood glucose levels to make sure she was within the right range. Watch below as I talk with Cathy and her registered dietician, Rachna Singh, to get their advice for any #NJMOM who finds herself dealing with a gestational diabetes diagnosis.
The bottom line, mamas? Get informed, seek out support and don’t blame yourself. Do what you can to keep healthy for yourself and your little babe, but know that this condition is something that can affect any expectant mom. And if you’re looking for resources on how to manage gestational diabetes, you can find more about the Diabetes Center at RWJ University Hospital Somerset here.
Diabetes Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2846
Hours of Operation:
Monday, Wednesday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
Tuesday: 11AM-8PM
One Saturday each month (contact for appointment date)
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health, to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
