Finding out you have gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming and a little bit scary. But with the right self-care strategies, you can keep both you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. Let’s walk through some simple yet effective ways to take charge of your health during this special time.

1. Prioritize a Healthy Diet

Eating well is at the heart of managing gestational diabetes. Aim to fill your plate with foods that stabilize your blood sugar. Think fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Mix in some protein and healthy fats to keep your energy balanced throughout the day. And try to keep sugary snacks and refined carbs to a minimum — they tend to make your blood sugar jump up.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for your mood and fitness — it helps your body manage insulin better. There are various ways to stay active during pregnancy. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park or a gentle prenatal yoga class, try to exercise most days of the week. Of course, chat with your healthcare provider first before starting any new workout routine while pregnant.

3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar levels will help you understand how different foods and activities affect your gestational diabetes. In particular, regular checks with a home glucose monitor will give you insights to adjust your diet and exercise plans. No need to feel intimidated by this gadgetry — your healthcare provider can show you how to use your glucose monitor with ease.

4. When Necessary, Take Insulin

Sometimes, diet and exercise might not be enough to keep your blood sugar levels stabilized. If your healthcare provider recommends insulin, it’s important to follow their instructions to the letter. Used correctly, insulin is a common and safe treatment that can make a big difference to your health during pregnancy.

5. Get Tested Again Postpartum

Once your bundle of joy arrives, make sure to get your blood sugar tested again. While gestational diabetes often goes away after giving birth, it does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on. A postpartum glucose tolerance test is a simple way to make sure everything is back to normal.

Support a Healthy Pregnancy with OB2Me

Taking care of yourself when you have gestational diabetes might seem like a lot at first, but every step you take helps keep you and your baby safe. And remember, you’re not alone — with the right healthcare team, you can face each pregnancy surprise and challenge with the assurance of professional care.

If you’re interested in working with a midwife or doula who offers holistic pregnancy support, OB2Me is here to help. OB2Me offers private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery to support you and your family with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care in Alpharetta and Atlanta, Georgia. We are also available to help you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to fit your needs and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Contact our team today and see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!

Carson

Carson Ragan, CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 25 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Neonatal ICU, and women’s healthcare. After becoming a mother at a young age and experiencing the birth of her premature second child, she was inspired to pursue nursing and ultimately midwifery.

She earned her nursing degree from Columbus State University and graduated as an RN in 1999. After years of experience as an L&D and NICU nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinician, she earned her graduate degree from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2010 and became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her personal experiences as both a mother and healthcare provider inspired her vision for a more personal, convenient approach to women’s healthcare. She created a concierge model designed to give women more time, individualized attention, and quality care in the comfort of their home or office.

Outside of work, Carson enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, volunteering with her daughter’s volleyball teams, traveling, and scuba diving.