Gestational diabetes is like any other diabetes and is usually seen to develop around the 20th week of pregnancy. The placenta which is connected to the blood supply produces hormones which block insulin and lead to an increase in blood sugar. This is not good for baby’s health. The ill-effects of this diabetes can be controlled during pregnancy by eating healthy and exercising. Taking prescribed medicines on time will also help.

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Every mother wants her baby to be in good health and according to a new study, Vitamin D could just be the right supplement. It is during the last stages of pregnancy when the bones of the baby strengthen. Studies found that babies born during winter had greater bone mass than those in summer because women tend to receive Vitamin D from sunlight in the summer which gradually drops in winter. Hence, it was effectively proved that consuming Vitamin D during pregnancy can help strengthen the bones of babies born in winter.

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Based on the data from a study conducted on rats, if alcohol is consumed by a woman during pregnancy, it not only affects her child but also increases the possibility of developing alcoholism in the next three generations. It was observed that if a mother consumes alcohol equal to one glass of wine minimum four times a day during pregnancy period, her offspring and grand-offspring are less sensitive to alcohol and prefer it more. The risk of her progeny becoming alcoholic increases even if the mother drinks a little bit of alcohol.

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A misconception of doubling normal food amount during pregnancy is common. A foetus needs only one-sixth of it. Secondly, skipping antenatal classes is common but it prepares mothers for postnatal care. Thirdly, letting cravings take you over with unhealthy food can lead to a negative impact. Fourthly, avoiding exercises during pregnancy can only lead to obesity and lastly, accepting advice from just about any professional is a no-no. Not all are trained in certain areas.

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Research in the US suggests that largely consuming potatoes and chips may rise the risk of diabetes during pregnancy because starch can spike blood sugar levels. UK experts differ in thought saying that starchy foods provide necessary fiber. Research suggests that consuming low Glycaemic Index (GI) foods that release sugar into the blood more steadily help manage diabetes. More starchy foods and fruits and vegetables should be incorporated to our diets.

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Recent studies in Barcelona and Japan point to the same thing - mom’s fish intake during pregnancy determines baby’s brain development. Pregnant mothers who included more fish in their diet had children with better brain function. Seafood has important nutrients and omega-3 and 6 required for brain development. The standard recommendation is 150-600 grams of fish a week for pregnant women. Although seafood comes with the threat of mercury poisoning, the study conducted in Barcelona among 2,000 mothers proves differently.

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A new study suggests eating potato chips might be linked to higher risk of developing diabetes in pregnant women. Known as gestational diabetes, it can have various health consequences on both the mother and the child which include heart diseases and other types of diabetes. Although potatoes contain important nutrients like Vit C and potassium, it also contains excess starch which is associated with the increase in blood sugar levels.

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