How to prevent gestational diabetes

[TeachingPuffin]

Almost 17 weeks pregnant with first baby. BMI is over 35 already, so high risk for gestational diabetes. What can I do to reduce the risk of this happening? I'm obviously not going to be losing any weight! I'm thinking of starting gentle exercise again when the nausea has disappeared (swimming) and trying to hit 10k steps every day. Currently my diet consists of whatever I feel I can keep down and will make me less sick. Hopefully I'll start feeling better soon and I'll then start focusing more on eating healthily. Anything else I can do? Or any positive stories about GD? Anxiety/ guilt is quite bad ATM...

Unfortunately nothing you can do to prevent it as it's all to do with the placenta and hormones. I to had a BMI over 35 and did have gestation diabetes. I was diagnosed at 27 weeks and had my little monkey three weeks ago. If you're concerned I would cut down on sugary foods and check out www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk
Fantastic advice and will tell you all you need to know 😀
I'm sure you will be fine and not have it, but if you do it's by no means the end of the world. Good luck

I have a normal bmi and I have gestational diabetes- as mentioned above there's not much you can do now to prevent it but it might be worth limiting carbs and sugar... go for protein and veg and cheese etc!

A higher bmi can make you more likely to get it but so can lots of other factors-Mine is likely caused by family history. I'd suggest just trying to stick to a healthy diet so that if you are diagnosed the changes won't need to be too drastic... I got so used to having loads of biscuits that I miss them now I can't have them!

My bmi is over 35 too and i tested negative. Luck of the draw unfortunately

Studies have shown diet and exercise in pregnancy are not effective at preventing gestational diabetes. So there is not much you can do at this stage. Eating a healthy balanced diet and taking gentle exercise is good for you anyway so can't hurt.

I was utterly convinced I had GD from as soon as the letter arrived inviting me to attend the GTT, my BMI was 31 at my booking appointment. I switched to wholewheat pasta/cut down on bread and increased veggies with every meal, swapped some fruit snacks for carrot & hummus etc. and read up on meal plans for GD- although some looked quite limiting for me as I’m vegan. I felt better for it but then my nausea went away at around the same time so that could have contributed to me feeling better. First trimester I basically lived on crisps and cup a soups! I didn’t have GD in the end but the eating habits have stayed with me and at 37+1 all is still well. If you do have GD remember it’s not your fault and it can affect any pregnant woman of any size/weight as it’s all to do with hormones and the placenta- and it’ll only be temporary! Good luck :)

I got sick of people telling me my GD was my fault - BMI of 26, no family history and I never ate sweets / cake etc!

It is luck of the draw and can't be prevented, but the website suggested above is fab! They always have a linked FB group - gestational diabetes Uk mums - which is a great support

Thanks - this is really useful for me too. I just failed my first screen and have to go back for a 3 hour test. Feeling bummed about it and trying to change diet right away.