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Health and Wellness Magazine • 19 EASy DoES iT: While moms with gestational diabetes have long been told to steer clear of sugar, some experts fear that they might be replacing it with excess fat, which has its own serious drawbacks, says Barbour. One recent CU study conducted on primates found that those who ate a high-calorie, high-fat (35 percent) diet during pregnancy (regardless of whether they were overweight or not) produced fetuses with fatty-liver disease and babies with far more fat cells. A HEAlTHy plATE: Wilk advises pregnant moms to divide their plate in half and load one half up with as many vegetables as possible (French Fries don't count). Then divide the other half in two, putting lean protein in one quarter and low-glycemic index carbohydrates like whole grains in the other quarter. Have two servings of fruit per day as snacks and a healthy snack with protein (like hummus and veggies) before bedtime. "The bed time snack, paradoxically, lowers blood sugar in the morning," he says. gET moving: "It is a common fear that pregnant women have – that if they do vigorous exercise it will be bad for baby," says Fitzler. "But in reality, nothing so far has shown that exercise is detrimental." While doctors used to warn that excess exercise could shunt blood flow away from the placenta, more recent studies suggest exercise actually builds a stronger placenta. Fitzler recommends pregnant moms get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (unless complications prevent it). Just be sure to drink lots of water and back off if you feel yourself overheating or your heart is beating too fast. nEvER Too lATE: What if you're in your third trimester, and you've already gained more than you should? No problem, says Wilk. "Start eating healthy now and start going for walks. Say you have gained 40 pounds already, and you gain nothing else. That's OK," he says. "The good news is that in the later stage of pregnancy is when interventions have the most effect." Welcome to Greenwood Pediatrics Nationally recognized as a Superior Performing Medical Group Practice Greenwood Pediatrics offers: Parker Office 16830 Northgate Drive, Suite 150 Parker, Colorado 80134 303-805-7879 Southeast Office 9094 East Mineral Avenue, Suite 100 Centennial, Colorado 80112 303-694-3200 Southwest Office 10901 West Toller Drive, Suite 101 Littleton, Colorado 80127 303-973-3200 Visit us on the web at www.greenwoodpediatrics.com Infants, Children and Adolescents • A focus on each family's relationship with one primary doctor, supplemented by visits with one other physician and one nurse practitioner on the care team • The personalized care of a small office supported by the convenience of a larger practice: Saturday morning office hours, a physician on call 24 hours a day • Dedicated triage nurse to answer phone calls from parents and provide advice during the office day • Award-winning website to provide up-to-the-minute information and advice to parents • Privileges at five area hospitals to care for newborns and children • Board certified neonatologist on staff • Certified lactation consultant on staff • Active teachers of medical, nursing and physician assistant students and residents • Three convenient locations in the South Metro area