What should a pregnant woman with diabetes do after giving birth?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

1. What is gestational diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus (also called diabetes) is a condition in which too much glucose (sugar) remains in the blood instead of being used for energy. When blood sugar is too high, it can cause health problems. Some women develop diabetes for the first time during pregnancy. This condition is called gestational diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes need special care both during and after pregnancy.

2. Maternal risks of diabetes after giving birth

Risk of type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes. After having gestational diabetes, women are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes who give birth 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth should have a blood sugar test to make sure their blood sugar is in the normal range. normal.

Risk of gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies: The cause of gestational diabetes is still unknown, only known physiological changes in the mother's body and the effects of hormones caused by pregnancy The secretion of placenta reduces the activity of endogenous insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar. Having gestational diabetes for the first time means that your body is sensitive to the changes during pregnancy, and it is possible that subsequent pregnancies will be as well.
Therefore, if you have ever had gestational diabetes, you still have to go for gestational diabetes screening at 24 - 28 weeks in subsequent pregnancies.
Mothers who cannot control their postpartum weight are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes in the next pregnancy and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Risk of depression: this is a more common risk in pregnant women with gestational diabetes than in those without diabetes.

3. What should pregnant women do after giving birth to prevent diabetes?

3.1. Monitoring Sugar Tolerance The first of the things that are especially important for pregnant women with gestational diabetes after giving birth is to monitor their glucose tolerance. According to research, women with a history of gestational diabetes have a higher than normal rate of diabetes. Therefore, each pregnant woman should form a habit of monitoring her health status so that abnormalities in glucose metabolism can be detected early to provide timely treatment.
3.2. Postpartum diabetes care To prevent postpartum diabetes in pregnant women. It is especially important that pregnant women know how to take care of diabetes after giving birth to avoid risk factors for diabetes, some measures can reduce this risk factor:
Recognize the signs of postpartum depression:
Sadness and anger are unusual signs in the first weeks postpartum. Disorders such as: difficulty sleeping, fatigue, exhaustion, loss of appetite, constant anxiety or thoughts of harming yourself or a loved one need to see a psychologist for help. Monitor and check blood sugar regularly at medical facilities for doctor's advice. Follow a healthy diet and increase exercise: Eat lots of green vegetables, fiber and exercise at least 30 minutes a day to improve weight and insulin resistance.

Breastfeeding: This is a good way to reduce the risk of obesity in adulthood. Breastfeeding also helps with weight loss and strengthens the mother-child bond. Breastfeeding consumes energy for the mother and contributes significantly to weight loss and blood sugar reduction. The report indicates that, for women with gestational diabetes, a decline in insulin and fasting glycemic index through an oral glucose tolerance test should be performed between 6 and 9 weeks after at birth. The time right after giving birth can face many problems, but it is also the time to start establishing good, healthy living habits. Changing lifestyle and habits is very difficult and easy to delay, pregnant women should take advantage of the determination in this period to change old lifestyles, get used to eating habits and active exercise.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
Doctor Tran Thi Mai Huong has 25 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, lower tract surgery, laparoscopic surgery. Has held the position of deputy head of the School of Obstetrics and Gynecology, deputy head of the delivery department - Hai Phong Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Has high expertise and strength in the field of:
Lower tract surgery Laparoscopic surgery Difficult obstetric surgery

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