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My husband doesn’t seem to understand why I need to check my blood glucose so often and watch what I eat so carefully. Is this typical?
TIP (Type 1, Type 2 & GDM): Yes, it is. As you know, proper diabetes care during pregnancy takes a lot of time, thought, and extra effort – something that even the most loving of husbands may find difficult to understand. Often times, soon-to-be fathers feel “left out” of the details surround their wife’s pregnancy. Your husband may also be feeling anxious about your health and the health of the baby. Ad let’s not forget that a new baby can bring immense changes to your finances and your personal relationship – additional sources of anxiety.
Ask your husband to join you at as many of your health car appointments as possible. This will give him an opportunity to learn more about what’s required for a healthy pregnancy with diabetes and a chance to let him feel like he’s a bigger part of your support team.
Will the stress I’m experiencing with this pregnancy affect my blood glucose?
TIP (Type 1, Type 2 & GDM): Yes. The increased demand of diabetes, as well as the natural anxiety and anticipation that come with pregnancy, can affect your blood glucose. Stress, whether it’s mental or physical, can cause your body to release hormones that work against insulin. As a result, your blood glucose will rise. On the other hand, you may also find that your stress is keeping you from eating as well as you should, which can lead to low blood glucose levels. If the extra stress you’re feeling during pregnancy is affecting your blood glucose, go back to the basics of good diabetes management – proper nutrition, physical activity, and plenty of rest. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also improve your mental outlook and your blood glucose levels.
Sometimes I have very negative feelings about this pregnancy, mostly because of the extra demands it makes on my diabetes care routine. What can I do to improve my attitude?
TIP (Type 1, Type 2 & GDM): First, you need to realize that what you are feeling is normal. All pregnant women, whether they have diabetes or not, experience both strong negative and positive feelings. Many things cause emotional swings during pregnancy, not just the extra demands on your diabetes care. Pregnancy hormones play a big part in your irritability, mood swings, weepiness, and misgivings about having a baby. On the other hand, at times you may find yourself feeling calm, happy, and excited about your future new arrival.
As with any stressful situation, it helps to talk about it – either with your significant other, a close friend, or a member of your health care team. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of pregnancy, ask for help at home or work. Be sure to get enough rest and eat well. Physical activity can also relieve stress. A mini “get-away,” such as a long walk, movie, or good book can help when you need a break.
If you feel that your negative feelings are overwhelming you, don’t be reluctant to seek some professional counseling. Your anxiety about your health care routine is understandable. Working through your negative feelings will help you take good care of yourself and your baby.
This material is from 101 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy with Diabetes (©2003 American Diabetes Association) by Patti B. Geil, MS, RD, LD, FADA, CDE, and Laura Hieronymous, MSEd, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE. For more information or to order this book, please call 1-800-232-6733, or visit http://store.diabetes.org/.