How to Prevent Gestational Diabetes, Pre-Eclampsia, and Morning Sickness during Pregnancy
 
By Dr Denise Grobe ND at the Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™ PC
 
Some studies suggest that the typical American diet and corresponding increased incidence of obesity is at least partly responsible for growing numbers of patients with these high risk medical conditions.  Educating the public about the importance of diet and lifestyle, particularly during pregnancy, is a top priority, as well as being able to then provide them with the tools to be successful.
 
Here is some basic information on morning sickness, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.
 
Morning sickness – A miserable, terrible nuisance and occurs in 50% of all pregnancies. Severe cases may cause weight loss, dehydration, hypokalemia. No known adverse affects to baby. Theories claim morning sickness is due to changes in hormones.  Research suggests that women who eat a diet higher is sugars, oils, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, and caffeine are more likely to develop morning sickness during pregnancy.
 
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) – high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, during pregnancy there is an increased demand on insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
 
Common symptoms of Gestational Diabetes (GDM) - None.  Usually diagnosed by general screening during pregnancy.
 
Complications if blood sugars are not well maintained
• Large babies – can complicate delivery, cause trauma to both baby and mother, increased incidence of c-sections
• Low blood sugars – babies have difficulty managing blood sugar levels after delivery
• Jaundice, polycythemia (high blood cell mass), low calcium and magnesium levels
• Interferes with lung maturation
• Increased association with pre-eclampsia
 
Women who have had GDM are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes at a later time.
 
Children of women who had GDM are at increased risk of childhood and adult obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and insulin resistance. This risk is most significant when blood sugars were not well managed during pregnancy.
 
Pre-eclampsia – Hypertension during pregnancy associated with high levels of protein in the urine pregnancy.  The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown but it is well accepted that pre-eclampsia arises from multiple factors.  Diet is thought to be a major factor, especially relating to poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and obesity.
 
Signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia
•        Rapid weight gain caused by a significant increase in bodily fluid
•        Abdominal pain
•        Severe headaches
•        A change in reflexes
•        Reduced output of urine or no urine
•        Dizziness
 
 
Complications of Pre-eclampsia
• Lack of blood flow to the placenta can cause slow growth, low birth weight, preterm birth and breathing difficulties for your baby
• Increases your risk of placental abruption
• HELLP — Hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count — syndrome can rapidly become life-threatening for both you and your baby.
•      Eclampsia – Pre-eclampsia + Seizures, can permanently damage your vital organs, including your brain, liver and kidneys. Left untreated can cause coma, brain damage and death for both you and your baby.
 
Women who develop Pre-eclampsia have an increased risk for developing Cardiovascular Disease later in life.
 
 
Diet and lifestyle changes implemented before pregnancy or during early pregnancy can greatly reduce the risks of developing these pregnancy related conditions.  Adopting a low-glycemic diet will manage blood sugar by limiting blood sugars levels to a narrow range and improving insulin response.  A low glycemic diet consists of mostly whole foods, limits processed foods, which improves dietary intake of vitamins and minerals.
 
 
What is a Low-Glycemic Diet?
 
The Glycemic Index refers to the effect that a food has on blood sugar levels; foods with a high Glycemic Index (above 70) raise blood sugar levels significantly while foods with a low Glycemic Index (below 55) cause only a small increase in blood sugar levels.  So, a diet consisting of low glycemic foods will keep blood sugar levels and insulin levels low and well stabilized.
 
Research has shown that people who adhere to a low glycemic diet have a decreased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
 
It is important for women looking to have a healthy pregnancy, that have a history of or are at higher risk for morning sickness, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes to look to look at ways to alter their lifestyle to become healthier. There are many programs available that focus on low-glycemic meal planning, exercise, specialized supplementation and personalized support.
 
Dr. Grobe ND is directs the FirstLine Therapy program at the Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine™ in Mesa AZ. She regularly has free talks on how to eat and live a healthy lifestyle in simple realistic ways. Check out her classes at the calendar of events at www.trueharmonywellness.com or http://www.meetup.com/True-Harmony-Beauty-Health-Dance-And-Yoga. Interested in her program? Please Ask for more Details! Or Call True Harmony @ 480.539.6646

 Send your questions to info@trueharmonywellness.com or call 480-539-6646. This article was written by Dr. Denise Grobe ND for the use by the Center for True Harmony Community.