Kimberly Newman, a nutrition educator, has developed an informative presentation for pregnant women who have or may not know they have diabetes. Her next presentation, which will include discussion on and sharing of delicious and healthy snacks for pregnant women,
Kimberly Newman, a nutrition educator, has developed an informative presentation for pregnant women who have or may not know they have diabetes.
Her next presentation, which will include discussion on and sharing of delicious and healthy snacks for pregnant women, “Sweet Treats,” is Thursday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. at the West Kauai Medical Center at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea. The event is free to pregnant women living on the Westside or Southshore.
Also offered are regularly scheduled “Food and Fun” events for pregnant women.
The next of these is Thursday, Aug. 12, also at 5 p.m. at KVMH/WKMC.
These “Food and Fun” presentations focus on foods with extra calcium and protein for healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Regarding the diabetes presentations, Newman said diabetes can affect a pregnant woman and her baby without her even knowing about it.
Pregnancy creates conditions where it is much easier for a woman to fall into a diabetic or pre-diabetic state, she explained.
This is one of many reasons why it is important for women to see a doctor by their 10th week of pregnancy.
Diabetes is risky to mom and baby.
The baby can grow either too large, making for a difficult pregnancy and delivery complications, or may not grow properly, leading to birth defects, Newman said.
Moms may need extra care and help with blood-sugar levels.
It can be hard for moms to maintain a healthful weight gain, and it is more difficult to know what to eat, she said.
The Ten Times Healthier Babies project at West Kauai Medical Center’s Family Birth Center offers free nutrition classes, with samples meals, menus, incentives and door prizes for pregnant moms.
