Exercise & Nutrition, Fourth Trimester, Pregnancy
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you’re not alone. Up to 10% of women in the United States are diagnosed with this condition each year. So what does it mean for you and your baby, and what can you do about it? First, let’s learn about what causes it.
Somewhere between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can trigger something called insulin resistance — one of the main drivers of gestational diabetes. That’s why your provider will want you to take a screening test for gestational diabetes during this time. But what exactly is insulin and why is it important?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its primary function is to move glucose into your cells after you eat. When cells become less responsive to insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. The pancreas then responds by making even more insulin in an effort to shuttle glucose into the cells. The result? Elevated glucose and insulin levels, BOTH of which increase the risk of complications for you and your baby — from increased birth weight to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. That’s the scary news. But the good news is there are some simple things you can do to lower your risk and ensure a healthy delivery for both you and your baby.
Monitoring your carbohydrate intake is an important component in managing gestational diabetes. Foods that are high in carbs can cause a spike in glucose levels and may cause excess weight gain, and should be avoided. This is especially true for refined carbohydrate foods such as white bread, cereal, baked goods, or fried foods. However, carbs can also be found in sneakier places like sweetened oatmeal or granola bars, or drinks with added sugar like certain juices or sodas.
Instead, it’s best to choose lower insulin foods, which include a variety of healthy protein sources, healthy fats such as nuts and avocado, non-starchy vegetables, and low-glycemic fruits like berries. These provide ample amounts of vitamins and minerals to support your growing baby. Plus, they’ll give you the energy you need to get through your days.
Axia Women’s Health is proud to partner with Simplex Health to offer nutritional counseling, glucometer training, and health coaching for patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Simplex’s clinically proven protocols lower glucose and insulin levels naturally, with (of all things) food. In fact, since launching this program with our team, 86% of patients who adhered to the nutrition program safely managed their condition without medication. Through the program, you’ll work closely with a Simplex dietitian and your Axia Women’s Health provider to manage your glucose logs and adjust your nutrition as needed.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is also important for gestational diabetes patients. Safe activities such as walking or swimming for just 30 minutes a day can dramatically lower your blood glucose levels. A short walk after eating is also recommended to help manage blood sugars. As always, talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
It’s important to note that women who develop gestational diabetes often become diabetic later in life. But this doesn’t have to happen. After pregnancy, it’s important to maintain healthy eating habits and an exercise routine to prevent type 2 diabetes. Through our gestational diabetes program, we offer post-partum nutrition support which can help with nutrient replenishment, weight loss, and hormonal restoration and rebalancing — ensuring healthy beginnings for both you and your baby.
Since high levels of blood glucose can create complications for the baby, you’ll be prescribed a glucometer which will help you keep tabs on your blood glucose levels. Plus, you’ll receive the training you need to understand and interpret your results. Through a free app, you’ll log glucose levels and food choices which your dietitian will review with you at each appointment – suggesting modifications (as needed) to help you achieve both glucose and nutrition goals.
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
Reaching the halfway point of pregnancy is an exciting milestone. You’re likely showing more and are starting to feel your baby move and kick.🤰It’s also an important time for a check-in with your healthcare provider for your 20-week ultrasound. Dr. Jennifer Stuck, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, offers advice on what to expect at the visit. Visit link in bio to read the full interview.🔗
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