During the “Tea Talk with Doctors” session on the afternoon of 18 April 2026, Dr Bui Thi Bich Khue (MSc), Deputy Head of Internal Medicine, helped expectant mothers understand that managing blood sugar is not about strict restriction or going without food. Instead, it is about listening to your body and responding to what it needs.

Understanding gestational diabetes

Many expectant mothers believe that gestational diabetes only affects those with a sweet tooth or those who are overweight. In reality, hormonal changes during pregnancy mean that any expectant mother may be at risk of insulin resistance.

If not well controlled, high blood sugar can lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, macrosomia (a larger-than-average baby), which may make delivery more difficult, and respiratory issues for the baby after birth. However, over 80% of cases can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments.

“Eating right” is better than “eating less”

According to Dr Bui Thi Bich Khue, the key to ensuring your baby receives enough nutrients while keeping your blood sugar stable is making the right choices.

• Prioritise low glycaemic index (GI) foods: Instead of cutting out carbohydrates completely—an essential source of energy for your baby’s brain development—choose whole grains, oats, brown rice, or sweet potatoes. These release sugar slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Follow the “healthy plate” principle: Start your meal with vegetables to slow down sugar absorption, then add protein (meat, fish, eggs), and finish with a moderate portion of carbohydrates. This order helps regulate how sugar enters the bloodstream.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Rather than having three large meals, divide your food into five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This helps avoid overloading the pancreas and prevents sudden drops in blood sugar.

Exercise as “natural medicine”

Gentle daily exercise for 20–30 minutes, such as brisk walking or prenatal yoga, can help keep blood sugar levels stable. Physical activity allows your muscles to use excess sugar more effectively, leaving you feeling lighter and more relaxed.

From a healthy pregnancy to regaining confidence

Maintaining good health during pregnancy provides a strong foundation for recovery after birth.

During the same session, Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh (MSc, Specialist Level II) from FV Thomson Maternity explained that confidence after childbirth does not come from rapid weight loss, but from understanding and respecting your body’s natural rhythm.

• The 6–8 week recovery period: This is an important time for the uterus and pelvic floor muscles to heal. Starting intense exercise too early may negatively affect long-term health.
• Natural weight loss through breastfeeding: Producing breast milk burns around 500 calories a day—similar to one hour of running. With a balanced diet during pregnancy, the body can more easily use stored fat to support milk production, leading to gradual and sustainable weight loss.

Peace of mind with FV Thomson Maternity

At FV, expectant mothers receive more than just a treatment plan. They benefit from close collaboration between obstetrics, endocrinology, and nutrition specialists. This integrated approach helps ensure that all health indicators are well managed.

With the right knowledge, gestational diabetes and postpartum concerns no longer need to be a source of anxiety. Instead, each stage of pregnancy and early motherhood can become a more positive and confident experience.

Join our next Tea Talk with Doctors – May 2026

Topic: Golden Knowledge for Mothers: A Safe Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Speakers:

• Dr Vo Trieu Dat, MSc – Head of FV Thomson Maternity
• Dr Nguyen Thi Bay, Specialist Level I – Paediatrics & Neonatology Department FV Hospital
• Time: 14:30 – 16:00, 23rd May 2026
• Location: Café de Paris, Indochine Lobby, FV Hospital – 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward, HCMC

Register here: https://forms.gle/A3w8F1yYDVaZL3UX6