Gestational Diabetes: What Do Expectant Parents Need to Know?

ParentingU

The possibility of gestational diabetes can bring about a lot of fears for many expectant moms (and dads!). From stories of unpleasant glucose testing, concerns about “failed” tests, blood monitoring, pregnancy weight gain and worse—there are lots of questions when it comes to the facts about gestational diabetes and how to properly manage this condition. Returning to ParentingU is Carmen Alexis Miller, MS, RDN, LDN, of Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette. Miller is a dietitian with lots of practical tips and clear information to help us better understand what gestational diabetes is—plus how to manage it during pregnancy.

Resources for You

• Miller recommends Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE, as a resource for managing gestational diabetes with diet.
• Read more from Miller about eating well with gestational diabetes.
• Once your baby is born, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits as they grow. Listen to this ParentingU episode—How Can Parents Encourage Healthy Eating Habits?
• “Focus Foods” guide—ideas for healthy foods while pregnant. Download our Focus Foods guide here.

Questions Answered on the Show

• What is gestational diabetes, and is it serious?
• Why do I have to take a glucose test when pregnant?
• Does my diet have anything to do with gestational diabetes?
• What are “focus foods” and how do I get more focus food into my diet?
• Should I exercise while pregnant?
• How can I talk to a dietitian while I am pregnant?
• My doctor said I failed my glucose test. Does that mean I have gestational diabetes?
• Is medicine the only cure for gestational diabetes?

We’re Here to Serve You

You can learn more about our birthing hospitals and maternity services across South Louisiana:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital
• Our Lady of the Angels Hospital
• Francis Medical Center

We hope you enjoy the new season of ParentingU! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.