During pregnancy, one of the tests and procedures you undergo to monitor you and your baby's health is for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects approximately 4 percent of women during pregnancy, according to the American Diabetes Association. It can lead to complications such as high blood sugar levels that may threaten the health of your unborn baby. You can manage gestational diabetes with a healthy diet and medication if needed. Consult your doctor before making any dietary changes.
Causes
The cause of gestational diabetes is not wholly understood by medical professionals; however, it is believed to be caused by insulin-interfering hormones produced by the placenta that may trigger a rise in blood sugar levels that can affect the growth and development of your baby, according to MayoClinic.com. This condition usually doesn't develop until the latter part of pregnancy.
Keeping a Schedule
While pregnant, eating at the same time of day each day can help keep your sugar levels in check, according to American Family Physician. In addition, eating a healthy snack between meals can help your sugar levels remain stable. Healthy snacks can include foods such as fruits, whole wheat crackers and low-fat yogurt.
Fiber
Eating foods that are high in fiber may help reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes and may help manage your sugar levels if you're diagnosed with this condition. When adding fiber to your pregnancy diet, go for whole grains as opposed to refined grains, which are the healthiest. Legumes, fruit, vegetables, kidney beans, whole wheat toast, whole grain cereal and whole grain bread are all good sources of fiber.
Complex Carbohydrates
The nutritional goal when diagnosed with gestational diabetes is to reduce the amounts of simple sugars, fats and salt while increasing your daily intake of fiber and complex carbohydrates. According to WomenFitness.net, up to 60 percent of your caloric intake should come from complex carbohydrates such as starches. Complex carbohydrates are beneficial in managing gestational diabetes, and can also provide you with energy and are good sources of vitamins and minerals.
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