Action Steps

  1    Ask your doctor if you had gestational diabetes mellitus - GDM. If so, let your future health care providers know you had GDM.
  2     Get tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born, then every 1 to 2 years.
  3    Breastfeed your baby. It may lower your child's risk for type 2 diabetes.
  4    Talk to your doctor if you plan to become pregnant again in the future.
  5    Try to reach your pre-pregnancy weight 6 to 12 months after your baby is born. Then, if you still weigh too much, work to lose at least 5 to 7 percent of your body weight slowly, over time, and keep it off
  6   Make healthy food choices such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, dry beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Drink water or sugar-free sodas and fruit drinks. Eat small portions.
  7     Eat smaller portion of healthy foods to help you reach and stay at a healthy weight.
  8   Be active at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week to help burn calories and lose weight.

It's never too early.....To prevent diabetes

 

If you had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) when you were pregnant, you and your child have a lifelong risk for getting diabetes.

 

 

Because of this risk, you need to be tested for diabetes after your baby is born, then every one to two years. Reduce your risk by taking small steps for you and your family. If you weight too much, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes if you lose a small amount of weight and become more active.

Your children can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes if they don't become overweight. Serve them healthy foods and help them to be more active.


Gestational diabetes may occur when you are pregnant. The word gestational means pregnant. Diabetes means the levels of sugar in your blood are high. Your body turns many foods into sugar. If you have Diabetes, your body has trouble using this sugar.

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Diabetes Education Program
 



Healthy Baby Is Worth The Weight
A Healthy Baby is Worth the Weight: A video for expecting mothers
National Women's Health Week - May 9-15, 2010 - It's Your Time! The Woman Challenge - Join! - May 9 through July 3, 2010 - womenshealth.gov
Phone: (303) 692-2487
Email: Healthy Baby Campaign

Postal Mail Address:
Healthy Baby Campaign
PSD-WH-A4
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530

The Women’s Health Section, and Grant Number 2 B04 MC 00337-07 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services supports the contents of this Web site. All information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.