During pregnancy some expectant mothers can have Gestational Diabetes. This is when bloods sugars are high during pregnancy, these high blood sugar levels usually disappear after giving birth. During pregnancy you will receive support by a specialist dietitian to help you adapt your eating to keep your blood sugars within safe levels.
If you have been told you have or have had gestational diabetes while pregnant, please see below for some information you may find useful:
During pregnancy
Gestational diabetes - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Pregnancy and diet - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Pregnancy - Start for Life - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Food labelling: nutrition information - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Physical activity for pregnant women (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Breastfeeding - what are the benefits? - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
After birth
After birth you are at risk of developing diabetes. Please see the link below for advice to help you reduce your risk. In addition to this you can also refer yourself into our service for support:
Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes | Diabetes UK
Starting activity following a baby will depend on the labour that you have had, and whether you were active before pregnancy. Ensure you listen to your body and start gently. The link below has guidance on activity for woman after childbirth.
Physical activity for women after childbirth (birth to 12 months) (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Going forward
The Start for Life website has useful recipes ideas for weaning and for when your little one gets older. It also has information to help you and your baby in the first stages of parenthood.
Weaning - Start for Life - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Recipes - Healthier Families - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Guidance for when and how to introduce food for your baby:
Complementary feeding (weaning) - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Complementary feeding (weaning) - British Dietetic Association (BDA)