Pregnancy can trigger challenging medical conditions in some women, such as gestational diabetes. According to MayoClinic.com, gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, causes abnormalities in the way your body produces and uses blood sugar, and can cause serious health risks for your unborn baby. Fortunately, although some women may need medication as well, gestational diabetes can generally be well-controlled by following a healthy diet.
Step 1
Consult your obstetrician regarding a healthy diet for the treatment of gestational diabetes. Doctors manage their patients' gestational diabetes by prescribing a diet high in healthy grains, fruits and vegetables, and low in fat and protein, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's imperative that you follow your doctor's recommended diet closely to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range for you and your baby.
Step 2
Eat three regular meals and one or two snacks per day, as advised by your physician. This will ensure that your blood sugar remains stable throughout the day, rather than spiking up and falling down at various times. This scheduled pattern of eating will also help you maintain consistent energy levels.
Step 3
Be prepared for dietary changes throughout your pregnancy. Your physician will likely need to modify your prescribed diet as your pregnancy progresses, depending on your weight, calorie needs and your baby's development, says MayoClinic.com. While the diet will always be one high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat and designed to help achieve healthy pregnancy weight gain, it may vary in terms of recommended portion sizes and number of snacks per day, for example. This is because your body's energy needs change as your baby grows.
Step 4
Keep your weight gain and blood sugar in check by exercising regularly as well. A balanced, healthy diet will do much to control gestational diabetes, but including exercise in your schedule will help with excess weight gain -- which exacerbates gestational diabetes -- and will help stabilize blood sugar in and of itself. Consult your doctor and follow her recommendations closely regarding the type and amount of exercise that is safe for you during pregnancy.
