A diabetic pregnancy, medically known as gestational diabetes, is a condition in which a pregnant woman has blood sugars higher than normal. Elevated blood sugars during pregnancy can lead to large birth weight babies, infant hypoglycemia at birth or even infant respiratory distress. Managing blood sugars with diet, exercise and medication can help minimize these complications. A diabetic pregnancy diet is a healthy diet that limits total carbohydrate intake to 35 to 40 percent of total calories. The diabetic exchange list can help the diabetic pregnant woman make healthy food choices to manage blood sugars.
Starches
Starches are a source of carbohydrate. Each serving, or starch exchange, contains 80 calories, 15 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of protein and 0 g of fat. The amount you need depends on your calorie and weight goals. Consult with a doctor or dietitian to determine your exact needs. Starch exchanges for diabetic pregnancy include one slice of bread, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cold cereal, 1/2 cup of cooked hot cereal, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of corn or peas, 3 oz. baked potato, 6 saltine crackers and 3 cup of air-popped popcorn. For better blood sugar control, choose high-fiber starch foods. Examples include whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole-grain cereal and whole wheat pasta.
Fruits
Fruits also contain carbohydrate. Each fruit exchange provides 60 calories and 15 g of carbohydrate. Choose whole fruit over juice to prevent rapid rises in blood sugar. The fiber in whole fruit takes the body longer to digest, allowing for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. Fruit exchanges for a diabetic pregnancy include a small apple or orange, 4 oz. banana, 17 grapes, 1 cup of diced melon, 1/2 of a large pear, 1/2 cup of unsweetened fruit cocktail and 2 tbsp. of raisins.
Milk and Yogurt
Pregnant women need adequate intakes of calcium to support bone health of both the baby and themselves. Milk and yogurt also contains carbohydrate, about 12 g per serving, and intake needs to be controlled to manage blood sugar. Milk and yogurt exchanges for a diabetic pregnancy include 1 cup of milk and 6 oz. of sugar-free yogurt. Choose low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt products to limit calorie intake and prevent excessive weight gains. Gaining too much weight can make it harder for you to manage your blood sugar. Nonfat and low-fat milk and yogurt products contain 100 to 120 calories, 0 to 3 g of fat and 8 g of protein.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Each meat and meat substitute exchange provides 45 to 100 calories, 7 g of protein and 0 to 8 g of fat. Choose lean meats and low-fat meat substitutes to limit your calorie intake. Lean meat exchanges for a diabetic pregnancy include 1 oz. of skinless poultry, fish, pork tenderloin, beef eye of round or lamb chop. Low-fat meat substitute exchanges include two egg whites, 1 oz. of low-fat cheese, 1/4 cup of low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup of tofu.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Each non-starchy vegetable exchange contains 25 calories, 5 g of carbohydrate and 2 g of protein. A serving is equal to 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked. Examples of non-starchy vegetables include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and peppers.
Fats
Each fat exchange contains 45 calories and 5 g of fat. Fats are considered a concentrated source of calories and you should carefully control your intake to limit caloric intake. Fat exchanges include 1 tsp. of butter, margarine, oil or mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tsp. of peanut butter, 1 tbsp. of salad dressing and 6 almonds.
