During your pregnancy, your doctor will test you for a condition known as gestational diabetes. This condition occurs in an estimated 5 percent of all pregnancies, according to the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Gestational diabetes is controlled through lifestyle efforts, including diet, to maintain constant blood sugar levels.
Significance
A gestational diabetes diet signifies your body is not processing glucose, a substance that gives the body energy, properly, according to the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. These blood sugar spikes can pose a risk to your baby, including increased risk of jaundice and low blood sugar. To control gestational diabetes, your physician will recommend eating foods that minimize the impact on blood sugar.
Serving Recommendations
Because foods that contain carbohydrates cause the most significant blood sugar spikes, your physician may recommend a reduction--but not complete restriction--of carbohydrate-containing foods, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Serving amounts of each food group: six or more servings of grains, beans and starchy vegetables; three to four fruit servings; three to five vegetable servings; four to five dairy servings and two to three protein servings. Restrict sweets and high-fat foods whenever possible as these foods greatly contribute to blood sugar spikes.
Carbohydrate Choices
Carbohydrates are one of the biggest considerations in a woman with gestational diabetes. This does not mean you should restrict carbohydrates altogether---you need them to give you energy. However, you should choose high-fiber, whole grain carbohydrates that do not cause large insulin spikes. Examples include matzo, rye crisp or saltine crackers and whole-wheat bread, according to Diabetic Mommy. Pretzels, fat-free popcorn and baked tortilla chips also are good sources.
Beverages
While you may think of your gestational diabetes diet only in terms of food choices, don't forget to monitor what you are drinking, according to BabyCenter website. Fruit juice, flavored tea, soda and flavored waters can all cause blood sugar spikes, and elevate the blood sugar. Switch these drinks for water and low-fat dairy, which helps you to achieve recommended daily calcium levels.
Tracking Progress
If your doctor has recommended you test your blood sugar several times per day, you may wish to keep a diet record, according to the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Write down everything you eat and drink in a journal and record your blood sugar levels periodically throughout the day. This can help you to determine if certain foods in your diet are causing excessive blood sugar spikes. You can then adjust your diet accordingly.
