If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, it's important to plan your diet right to avoid complications during pregnancy and birth. Most women with gestational diabetes can manage this condition through diet alone, so you probably won't need to resort to insulin shots as long as your blood sugar stays under control. The main goal of a gestational diabetes diet is to keep blood sugar levels even throughout the day, avoiding large spikes or drops that can harm you or your baby.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian about your gestational diabetes and any other health conditions you may have. For example, pregnant women who are overweight may need to limit their food intake more than an underweight mom-to-be, and this can affect your food choices. Other conditions that can affect the specifics of your diet menu include the degree of diabetes, your baby's health and your physical activity level.
Step 2
Create a chart listing all your daily meal and snack times and post it in the kitchen or some other place where you can refer to it daily. Schedule three to four small meals and two to three snacks spaced evenly throughout the day. Make sure to include a breakfast soon after waking up and a bedtime snack to keep blood sugar levels in check overnight. A visible chart will remind you not to skip meals, which is important to maintaining blood glucose.
Step 3
Make a list of healthy carbohydrate choices and one of protein options. Carbohydrates include whole grain bread, oatmeal, pasta, brown rice, beans, crackers, popcorn, sweets, milk, yogurt, starchy vegetables and fruits. Proteins include lean meats, seafood, tofu, eggs and nuts. You will need both protein and carbohydrates at each meal or snack to fuel your baby's growth and keep your energy up.
Step 4
Mix and match your carbohydrate and protein options, including a balance of each in every meal. Examples include having an egg with a slice of whole wheat toast and a glass of milk in the morning or a snack of an apple and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Your doctor or dietitian can tell you exactly how many grams of carbohydrate and protein you should include in each meal and snack. For many women with gestational diabetes, 15 g of carbohydrates per snack and 15 to 30 g of carbohydrates each meal can help maintain blood glucose levels.
Step 5
Check your blood sugar with a home glucose monitor every morning after you get up and a few times during the course of the day. Track your levels and use the results in consultation with your doctor to alter the amount of carbohydrates you are consuming throughout the day, if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose monitor
