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How should a diabetic pregnant woman control weight gain?

Dr Abha Majumdar
Head, Centre of IVF & Human Reproduction,
Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: I am 32 weeks pregnant and a diabetic on insulin. Yesterday, I had an appointment with my doctor and, according to her, although my tummy measures perfectly she doubts that my baby maybe large as I am gaining weight i.e. a pound a week. Although my diet is restricted but every 2 hours I am taking a snack and at times when I feel that sugar level is low, I need to take something sweet. I don't know how to control my weight as already I have gained nearly 35 pounds since pregnancy. Can you tell me what to do?

A:I think your gestational ultrasound should be able to tell with greater accuracy whether your baby is appropriate or large for dates and whether liquor is in excess. I don't know why you need to snack so often. However it is important to do 4 times blood sugar every day -fasting and two hours after every meal and no blood sugar levels should be more than 120 mg/ml. besides it is important that you must walk for 20 to 30 minutes before or after a meal. Putting on so much weight may be risky for you as well as your baby both in terms of developing pregnancy hypertension.