A Holistic Approach to Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy is an exciting and new time, but for many of us, it comes with its own set of unexpected challenges and surprises. One of those challenges for me (Kathryn) was gestational diabetes. As a doula, I thought I knew everything about pregnancy, but when blood sugar issues were at my doorstep, I felt like I was relearning the process all over again. Diving more into the topic of gestational diabetes, I hope you walk away from reading this with more confidence! The following will be covered:

• A bit of my own story with Gestational Diabetes

• Nourishment instead of Restriction

• Involving Gentle Movement

• Stress’s relationship with GD

• Lifestyle Practicals

• GD Testing and Alternatives

My "Wait, What?" Moment

I feel really blessed that in my own pregnancy, my blood sugar started giving some signs of needing help pretty early on. It was shocking though when the first test came back high and then continual monitoring was showing spikes all over the place. My heart sank in disbelief many times in those days of trying to get to the bottom of it. I mean, I was eating healthy, staying active, and taking care of myself—what was I doing wrong? 

It felt overwhelming, but I reminded myself that gestational diabetes doesn’t happen because you’ve done something wrong. Pregnancy changes our bodies in so many ways, and sometimes that includes how we process sugar. Gestational diabetes happens when your body has trouble managing sugar (glucose) during pregnancy. Normally, your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. But during pregnancy, your body produces hormones (like human placental lactogen) that can make your cells more resistant to insulin.

So with this in mind, instead of blaming myself, I started looking for ways to manage it holistically.

Starting with Food: Nourishment, Not Restriction

My first thought was, "What foods should I cut out?" (This was hard in the first trimester when it was a win to eat good food.) I knew that managing blood sugar was key, but I didn’t want to feel like I was depriving myself or following some rigid diet. So, I turned to what I knew best—nourishing my body. With the help of my midwife and deep diving into how my body processed each meal uniquely, I truly feel grateful that I had to focus so much on this aspect of pregnancy. I am feeling more nourished than ever and not deprived!

I focused on whole, unprocessed foods that would stabilize my blood sugar without making me feel deprived. Balanced meals with lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs became my go-tos. It’s not everyone’s solution but cutting out gluten was helpful too! Some people find the same results with cutting out dairy. But instead of focusing on what to cut, I want to focus on how to make choices of WHOLE food that feeds your whole body, without sending it into sugar processing overdrive. And we at Ezer Birth are all for nourishing food, so much that we can bring it to your doorstep! Check out our nourishing meal bundles!

Movement: The Gentle Game Changer

I’ve always loved gentle movement—walking, stretching, etc—but now it became more important than ever. It’s important to allow your body TIME to process the food you are eating, not eating in a rush or moving from one thing to the next. Being intentional about gentle movement aligned with meals is a huge part of giving your body holistic nourishment.

Moving my body not only helped with my blood sugar, but it also made me feel stronger, more energized, and in tune with my pregnancy. I don’t do anything extreme. In fact, I find that the best results come from the simplest things—like a 20-minute walk or gentle stretches that focus on breathing and connecting with my baby.

Mindset: Finding Peace in the Process

One of the biggest challenges of gestational diabetes wasn’t the physical management—it was the emotional side of things. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have moments of frustration or fear. There were times when I’d have a high blood sugar reading and feel like I had failed and was just so confused.

But here’s where my doula training came in handy. I reminded myself that every pregnancy is unique, and it’s okay to need extra support. I learned through my midwife the connection between high stress levels and high blood sugar levels and started tracking. When I was having a harder day, often my sugars would be much higher.

High levels of adrenaline and cortisol can make you more prone to insulin resistance, adding to the resistance that naturally occurs during pregnancy. When you're stressed, your body prepares by making extra sugar available for energy. Insulin levels drop, while glucagon and adrenaline rise, causing the liver to release more sugar into your blood. Low blood sugar triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which can then cause a spike in blood sugar as your body tries to adjust.

Once I was able to see this correlation clearly, it was a ground breaking moment for me to address it in the most holistic form, both mind and body.

So let's get practical:

Each pregnancy and woman is unique to what will work for her when addressing gestational diabetes but here are some practical tips to keep in mind with a holistic approach of treatment:

• Combine complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables) with proteins (chicken, fish, beans) and healthy fats (avocados, nuts). This helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Focus on non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and peppers to fill your plate without spiking blood sugar.

• Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. Including fiber-rich foods slows digestion, helping prevent blood sugar spikes.

• Stick to smaller, more frequent meals. Eating every 2-3 hours can help keep blood sugar stable. Always have a protein snack on hand and pairing it with a healthy fat can make it even better! Be mindful of portion sizes for carbs—keep them consistent to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can support blood sugar control and prevent dehydration, which can worsen insulin resistance.

• Include foods like Greek yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi for gut health, which can have a positive effect on blood sugar regulation. Consider taking a quality probiotic supplement as well.

• Practice mindful eating by focusing on your food, hunger cues, chewing slowly, and avoiding distractions. Take time to relax when eating your meals.

Gestational Diabetes Testing and Alternatives

Gestational diabetes (GD) affects 5-10% of pregnant women in the U.S., and understanding your blood sugar levels can provide practical insights for both you and your baby. Testing for gestational diabetes can help identify potential risks for pregnancy and birth complications. Even if you don’t receive a GD diagnosis, knowing how your body responds to different foods can empower you to manage unpleasant symptoms during pregnancy and support your overall health. Unfortunately, women are oftentimes felt to believe there is only one way of screening for GD. This however, is just not true! We hope by exposing you to alternative options, you can feel confident in opening up this dialogue with your provider.

Standard Testing: Understanding the Process

The standard test for gestational diabetes is the Oral Glucose Challenge Test (OGCT). In this screening, a woman consumes a glucose drink containing 50 grams of glucose, and her blood sugar levels are measured after 60 minutes. If the results indicate elevated blood sugar levels, a follow-up test, the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), is recommended. This involves either a 2-hour test with 75 grams of glucose or a 3-hour test with 100 grams.

While these tests are widely accepted, they have their drawbacks—most notably, the ingredients in the glucose drink. Many women find themselves feeling that the standard testing options leave them with little choice, even when the drink contains known toxic ingredients.

Exploring Alternatives

Fortunately, there are alternatives to the standard glucose testing that you can discuss with your healthcare provider:

1. At-Home Monitoring: Consider daily blood sugar checks over a week or two. This method allows you to observe how your body responds to your usual diet, providing a more personalized picture of your blood sugar levels. Plus, this approach is typically recommended after a positive OGCT. Meaning, why not skip the toxic drink and opt straight for the at-home monitoring?!

2. The Fresh Test: This screening test offers a similar process to the OGCT but uses organic, non-GMO ingredients in the drink. It’s a cleaner option that aligns better with a holistic approach to health.

3. A1C Test: This blood test can be performed early in pregnancy and measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It allows you to make lifestyle changes sooner, potentially preventing the development of gestational diabetes.

4. High-Sugar Meal Test: Some providers may offer the option to consume a high-sugar meal (50 grams or more) instead of the traditional glucose drink. This approach can vary based on individual preferences and the foods you typically enjoy.

The landscape of gestational diabetes testing is evolving, and women should know they have options. Engaging in open discussions with your healthcare provider about alternative testing methods can help you feel more confident and informed about your choices. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being—don’t hesitate to voice any concerns and explore the options that resonate with your values. Taking an active role in understanding your blood sugar levels can foster a healthier pregnancy experience and ultimately contribute to a positive birth outcome. Your journey to motherhood is unique, and it’s essential to advocate for the choices that feel right for you.

Despite the challenges that gestational diabetes can present, a holistic approach can transform this experience into an opportunity for both mother and baby to thrive. With the guidance of our dedicated birth team (including Heather, who is a nutritionist and has walked this road with other women) you can navigate this journey with confidence. At Ezer Birth we offer personalized nutrition consultations to provide tailored education and support, ensuring you have the tools you need for a nourished pregnancy—body and mind.

If you’re interested in exploring holistic strategies for managing gestational diabetes or if you simply need support during your pregnancy journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; we’re here to help you every step of the way!