How Exercise May Help You Manage Your Diabetes During Pregnancy

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How Exercise May Help You Manage Your Diabetes During Pregnancy - Congratulations! You're pregnant. You have a lot to do before the baby comes - set up the nursery, babyproof the house and stock up on diapers. But if you have diabetes, protecting your baby's health most likely tops your to-do list. You wonder if it's still safe for you to do some of your favorite activities, like your nightly neighborhood walks and your weekend aerobics classes.

How Exercise May Help You Manage Your Diabetes During Pregnancy

Is Exercise During Pregnancy Safe?

Exercising during pregnancy is generally safe for women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. In fact, exercise is often a part of the treatment plan for gestational diabetes. Exercise can lead to better blood sugar control and improve your stamina.

Check with your doctor, though, before you continue or start an exercise program. Exercise is not safe for all pregnant women. Women with these or other conditions may not be able to exercise:
  • Poor blood sugar control
  • High risk for pre-term labor
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

Diabetes Control During Exercise

Women who take insulin are especially prone to hypoglycemia during exercise and should take extra care. Test blood sugars before exercise, during your workout and after exercise. Doctors often suggest that women check for ketones if the blood sugar is high. Do not exercise when your blood sugar is very high or you are positive for ketones. Your doctor can give you specific guidelines. It is very important to know safe blood sugar levels for exercise when you take insulin.

When you work out you are at a higher risk for a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia). Keep a healthy snack and other low blood sugar supplies nearby during exercise in case of hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan in case your blood sugar becomes too low.

Follow these tips for a safe exercise session:
  • Exercise is usually safest when blood sugar levels are between 90 and 140 mg/dL. Ask your doctor what blood sugar level is safest for you and your baby.
  • Exercise for less than 45 minutes at a time.
  • Limit the strenuous part of your exercise to 15 minutes.
  • Warm up before and cool down after exercise.
  • Eat a healthy meal 1 to 3 hours before you exercise.
  • Drink water before, during and after working out.
  • Do not exercise when insulin is peaking.
  • Ask your doctor how to feel your uterus for contractions during exercise. If you feel contractions, you should stop the exercise right away and call your doctor.
  • Wear shoes that fit well. Check your feet daily for irritated areas, blisters, calluses and ingrown toenails.

What Types of Exercises Are Safe?


If you were exercising before pregnancy, you will likely be able to stick with your workout routine. If you are just starting an exercise program, start slowly. Either way, check with your doctor first. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that most pregnant women exercise at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes each day. These exercises are generally safe:
  • Walking
  • Stationary bicycling
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Swimming

Exercises to avoid:
  • Activities with a high risk of falling, such as skiing or horseback riding
  • Contact sports like soccer or hockey
  • Scuba diving
  • Any exercise that requires lying on your back (after the third month of pregnancy)
  • Any exercise where you strain, hold your breath or make sudden movements
Stop exercising and call your doctor right away if you experience:
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Decrease in fetal activity
  • Swelling
  • Low back pain
  • Contractions
If you feel lightheaded or have any other symptoms of low blood sugar, stop exercising, follow your treatment plan for hypoglycemia and then contact your doctor.

Other Diabetes Tips:

References

  • Touchette N. American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association; 2005.
  • Harris GD, White RD. Diabetes management and exercise in pregnant patients with diabetes. Clinical Diabetes. 2005;23(4):165-168.
  • Landon MB, Catalano PM, Gabbe SG. Management of the patient with gestational diabetes. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Gabbe: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies 5th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Exercise during pregnancy.
  • March of Dimes. Pregnancy and newborn health education center: Preexisting diabetes.
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