Gestational diabetes may not be linked to pregnancy weight gain, study says
Pregnant women have received warnings throughout history about the risks associated with gaining too much weight during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes. However, a recent study from University of Eastern Finland may change all of that.
What did the study find?
The study, the largest one on the topic with over 6,500 participants, found no correlation between gestational diabetes and pregnancy weight gain. In fact, adherence to the Institute of Medicine’s guidelines on recommended weight gain during pregnancy did not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Implications for pregnant women
The results of this study imply that pregnant women should not worry about gaining too much weight during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes should be monitored, but eating a healthy balanced diet and exercising regularly should do the trick.
What the experts are saying
Dr. Ulla Sovio, lead researcher of the study, said in a statement, “It seems that adherence to the guidelines is not beneficial in terms of preventing gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to focus on their overall health, and to strive for a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and healthy eating.”
What actions pregnant women can take?
There are some actionable steps that pregnant women can take to prepare their bodies for a healthy pregnancy:
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins is key. Limit your intake of fatty and sugary foods.
- Exercise regularly: With your doctor’s permission, engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
- Attend a pre-pregnancy check-up: A pre-pregnancy check-up is a good place to start when preparing for pregnancy — your doctor can give you a personalized plan to guide you through a healthy pregnancy.
The study is a different view of pregnancy weight gain, and hopefully can help to reduce some of the anxiety of pregnant women. With the right mindset and positive habits, a healthy pregnancy can be achieved!