When Pregnancy Comes with a Sugar Spike
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, but it also brings many changes — including how your body uses sugar. For some women, this leads to gestational diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy.
While hearing the word “diabetes” can be scary, gestational diabetes is manageable, and with the right care, both mother and baby can remain healthy throughout pregnancy and beyond.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we provide individualised monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and supportive care to ensure a safe pregnancy for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Let’s break it down — simply and supportively.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, usually between the 24th and 28th week. It happens when hormonal changes interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
The condition usually disappears after delivery, but it requires proper management to avoid complications for both mother and baby.
Who Is at Risk?
Any woman can develop gestational diabetes, but risk factors include:
- Being overweight before pregnancy
- Age above 30
- Family history of diabetes
- PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes
- History of a baby weighing over 4 kg (macrosomia)
This is why routine blood sugar screening is a part of Dr. Richa’s antenatal care program — even if you have no symptoms.
Why It Matters: Complications If Left Unchecked
If not managed properly, gestational diabetes can lead to:
- Excessive birth weight (leading to complications during delivery)
- Preterm labor or need for C-section
- Low blood sugar in newborns after birth
- Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes for the mother later in life
The good news is — with early detection and proper care, most women with GDM have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Symptoms to Watch For
Often, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. But in some cases, you may experience:
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
However, the best way to know is through a glucose tolerance test, routinely done between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.
Managing Gestational Diabetes: Lifestyle First
🥗 1. Dietary Changes
A balanced diet is your first and most powerful tool.
Focus on:
- Complex carbs (brown rice, oats, millets)
- High-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits with skin, pulses)
- Lean proteins (dal, eggs, paneer, chicken)
- Healthy fats (ghee, seeds, nuts)
Avoid:
- Sugary drinks and sweets
- White bread, biscuits, and maida-based snacks
- Skipping meals or overeating at once
We offer customised pregnancy diet charts at our clinic, especially tailored for gestational diabetes.
🚶 2. Gentle Exercise
Regular activity helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Recommended:
- 20–30 minutes of brisk walking
- Prenatal yoga under supervision
- Light stretching or swimming (with your doctor’s clearance)
Avoid high-impact workouts or new intense routines without guidance.
🩺 3. Blood Sugar Monitoring
You may be advised to:
- Check fasting and post-meal sugar levels daily
- Maintain a blood sugar log
- Monitor weight gain during pregnancy
This helps track how your body responds to food and activity.
💊 4. Medications (If Needed)
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe:
- Insulin injections (safe during pregnancy)
- Oral medications in select cases
These are adjusted carefully to protect both mother and baby.
After Delivery: Does It Go Away?
Yes — in most cases, gestational diabetes resolves after childbirth. However, there is an increased risk of:
- Developing Type 2 diabetes later in life
- GDM in future pregnancies
That’s why we recommend:
- Postpartum sugar testing after 6–12 weeks
- Maintaining healthy habits even after delivery
- Yearly screening for diabetes, especially if risk factors remain
Support Makes All the Difference
Receiving a GDM diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we:
- Provide nutritional guidance
- Offer personalised antenatal care
- Monitor you and your baby closely
- Address emotional wellbeing during high-risk pregnancy
Our goal is to make you feel informed, supported, and empowered through every stage of your pregnancy.
