Southernfit-Jessi

[kristi]

I remember seeing your post about not having gestational diabetes with your second pregnancy and your doctor or nurse said it was attributed to the muscle you had gained burning the sugar more effectively. (Did I read that right?)

My first pregnancy I was borderline with gestational diabetes and had to do the finger prick glucose test 3 times a day and follow the special diet. Well, DH and I would like to begin trying for #2 by the end of this year and I would really like to do what I can to avoid having GD if at all possible. Would you mind sharing what kind of workouts you did or if you had a rotation you were followiing? I don't know whether to focus on strength or endurance when weight training or cardio. If anyone else has any advice I would really appreciate it. Just want to be as healthy as I can be before I become pregnant so I can continue throughout my pregnancy this time around.

Thanks!

 

[StaceyDeLapp]

I don't really have any advice for you with regards to gestational diabetes. I would recommend reposting a question for Sheila (in case Southernfit-Jessi doesn't visit this forum anymore). And also, call your OB and see what they have to say. From everything I have heard/read, staying in shape (before and during pregnancy) is one of the best things you can do for your body to alleviate the possibility of developing gestational diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family, but when I talked to my OB/GYN about it after delivering my first two (I was never at risk for gestational diabetes) he told me I really didn't need to worry about developing it because of the shape I am in, the way I eat, and that more than likely, if I was going to get it as an elderly adult, I would have gotten it when I was pregnant as that is when your body is under the most stress. I would start following a diabetic diet (or close to) during the time you are trying to conceive as well as during your pregnancy just to help in anyway it can.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Southernfit]

Hi Kristi--I just saw your message and would love to help you out. Stacy mentioned in her post that one of the best ways to prevent GD is to be in good shape prior to pregnancy and stay that way during pregnancy--I really think that is what worked for me. After I had my daughter in 2001--It took me about 8 months to lose my baby weight--mainly just through "dieting". About a year and a half ago I discovered home workouts in the form of videos and shortly thereafter, Cathe. I considered myself a true "advanced" exerciser when I got pregnant last November. Due to morning sickness, exhaustion from early pregnancy, and chasing around a 3 year old, I pretty much backed off of my workouts until I was around 10-12 weeks pregnant. I then started back with walking and low impact aerobics 2-4 times a week depending on the week I was having. I also tryed to do at least 2 days a week of upper body and SOME lower body strength training. My favorites (especially as I got bigger) was the upper body split from Muscle Edurance, the upper body portion from Body Max, and Maximum Intensity Strength. The last few weeks of the pregnancy I had to cut out cardio due to pelvic pressure from a big baby.

Hopefully this helps. I am looking forward to easing back into my workouts once my body has recovered and healed from the ordeal of giving birth!!

Jessi

 

[kristi]

Thank you Stacey and Jessi for your advice. I appreciate it very much! I want to make sure I am doing what is needed to be as healthy as possible both before and during my pregnancy. So far it looks like I am on the right track and I plan to stick with it. Thanks again!!