When you're pregnant, your doctor will recommend that you take a number of different tests to ensure that you are healthy and that the baby is developing normally. Many of them are blood tests, but the test for gestational diabetes will probably stand out. That's because it's the test that requires you to drink a syrupy, sickly sweet drink and then wait around for an hour or more before you can have your blood drawn. Many women find this test unpleasant, and if the results show that you test positive, you might feel confused and worried. However, gestational diabetes can be managed, and managing it doesn't have to be as unpleasant as testing for it. Take a look at some tips for managing this illness.

Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, but it's especially important for a woman with gestational diabetes. This is because exercising on a regular basis can help you improve your glucose metabolism, an important factor in successfully managing diabetes.

Most obstetricians recommend that if you were already physically active before you conceived, you can safely maintain the same level of activity throughout most or all of your pregnancy, as long as you have no other high risk factors. However, if you weren't a physically active person before your pregnancy, it can be tough to establish a new exercise routine. Swimming, walking, and water aerobics are all safe and simple ways to increase your activity level without creating any undue risk for yourself or your baby.

Eat the Right Carbs

Pregnancy is not the time for the Atkins diet. You need carbs to provide the energy that your body needs to grow and nourish your baby. However, you need to make sure that you eat the right kind of carbs. High fat carbs like donuts and fried food can cause your blood sugar to spike.

Choose whole grains, fruits with the skin on, and fresh vegetables to give you the carbohydrates that you need without the sugar and fat that will play havoc with your blood sugar. Also, try choosing carbs in the afternoon and evening instead of the morning – early morning blood sugar spikes can be some of the hardest to handle.

Get Enough Sleep

When you don't sleep well, your body doesn't work as well, and it can act in unpredictable ways. For women with gestational diabetes, this means that a lack of sleep can make your condition harder to manage. Many women have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, but if you have gestational diabetes, it's dangerous to simply accept the lack of sleep as the norm.

Try relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga to help you get a regular night's sleep. Increasing your activity level during the day can help you get more rest at night. If you still can't sleep, talk to your obstetrician about medical options that can help you get more sleep.

Your obstetrician is your partner when it comes to managing your diabetes. He or she can help you create a meal plan and an exercise regime that works for you, answer your questions, and address your concerns. Be open about your questions and needs and be sure to ask for any help that you think you need. 

For more information, please visit a site such as Women's Healthcare Associates LLC.