So why are so many women like Ms. Girard reluctant to take action? The professor in the department of physical activity sciences at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Stéphanie-May Ruchat, asks herself the question in her new research project.
The project is really interested in identifying the beliefs that these women may have towards the practice of physical activity
explains the researcher.
Stéphanie-May Ruchat, professor in the department of physical activity sciences at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières and Dr. Véronique Babineau, gynecologist-obstetrician.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Fanchon Aubry
Pregnancy diabetes (or gestational diabetes) :
Gestational diabetes can affect up to 20% of pregnant women. This disease is synonymous with high blood sugar levels. It usually disappears after childbirth, but the mother becomes at risk of developing type 2 diabetes during her lifetime.
Source : Diabetes Quebec
To each his own beliefs
Ms. Girard is one of 70 women who have taken part in Professor Ruchat’s study so far. Like many other pregnant women, she had some misconceptions about working out.
Stéphanie Girard was diagnosed with gestational diabetes when she was pregnant with little Frédéric.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Fanchon Aubry
I went around L’Isle-aux-Coudres by bike and during the night I had a miscarriage […]. I would tell you that we know that this is not the cause, but we can have the perception that this is the cause
explains the new mother.
Once the beliefs of pregnant women have been identified by the study, it will be easier to act in a targeted manner with them to convince them to take action.
” I gave birth in December, we are in the middle of winter with a big belly. Go for a walk in the snow, I was afraid of slipping. »
If she could go back in time, Madame Girard would change her ways. I didn’t know gestational diabetes was related to physical activity
she admits.
Habits to change
Diagnoses for this disease are often late, around the third trimester of pregnancy. At this stage, it is difficult to change your habits, according to Dr. Véronique Babineau, gynecologist-obstetrician. When it hurts us, we are not tempted to go for physical activity, but it is really a benefit.
The specialist wants to be reassuring for pregnant women. A simple 15 to 30 minute walk after a meal can have a big impact on blood sugar, she says.