If your partner has been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, this article can help you to support her.

Pregnancy can be a daunting experience at the best of times. When you receive a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, often the mother’s first thought it “What could I have done to prevent this?” Unfortunately, the answer is not a lot. Gestational Diabetes is caused by the hormones in your body making it more insulin resistant and some women aren’t able to produce enough insulin to counteract this effect.

The good news is, in the majority of cases, the diabetes will go away once the baby has arrived. It just means that the mother may need some extra support during pregnancy. So how can you help?

1.      Learn the basics

Educate yourself on what gestational diabetes is and what it might mean for the mother. This will not only help you to help them, but it will also demonstrate to her that you are doing your best to remain supportive.

2.      Be willing to adapt and accommodate

For most women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, it means making significant changes to their diet, and unfortunately the recommendations for Gestational Diabetes are not the same as those with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. If your partner has to change their diet, it is helpful to consult with them when arranging family meals to find out what they can and can’t eat, and just to make it more complicated this can change as pregnancy goes on! And for those living with someone with Gestational Diabetes, if they are really struggling it can be helpful to be considerate about what you are eating as well. They don’t want to see you tucking into fish and chips or a tub of Ben and Jerry’s when they can’t. They might be ok with you eating what you like, but when they’re pregnant there’s every chance they might not be. Just ask them before waving your sugar and carbs in their face. If you need advice and recipes check out www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk.

3.      Suggest going for a walk

A bit of gentle exercise can really help lower blood sugar levels after a meal. If you’ve had a large dinner, suggest going for a gentle stroll round the block or to the local park together. Not only is it nice to take time out together, but it will show you are supporting your partner during pregnancy.

4.      Make time to attend medical appointments

I know this can be difficult, especially if you should normally be in work, but it’s really important to be there to support your partner at medical appointments. Firstly, if there is any bad news then they will want someone there they can trust. But more likely is the fact that you are likely to receive a lot of important information at these appointments and it can be very overwhelming. Having someone there to share the load with makes it easier to remember discuss what has been said, meaning you can make informed decisions on what is best for you and your baby.

5.      Help to write the birth plan

Writing the birth plan should be something you and your partner do together. This means that on the big day, you understand what your partner wants and expects from her birth experience and you can advocate for her without her having to speak to the medical team all the time. This will really help her to stay calm which is hugely important for a positive birth experience. Not only that, but a lot of birth partners feel they have a valuable role to play if they can help advocate for the mother and find the birth experience more positive overall.

6.      Be patient and understanding

Recognise that managing Gestational Diabetes (or any pregnancy!) can be challenging and there may be many ups and downs. Offer consistent support and understanding throughout the process.

Having had personal experience of Gestational Diabetes, I know that by being proactive and compassionate, you can make a significant positive impact on your partner’s journey with Gestational Diabetes.