A study in the September 2002 journal "Diabetes Care," the journal for the American Diabetic Association, found that women who were glucose-intolerant during pregnancy were at higher risk for premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, having a baby in breech position and giving birth to a high birth weight baby. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet similar to a gestational diabetic diet and visiting your health care provider regularly to monitor your blood sugar can help you avoid these complications if you are glucose-intolerant. A registered dietitian who specializes in gestational diabetes can help you with a meal plan that meets your needs during your pregnancy.
Healthy Eating Plan
The American Dietetic Association recommends three keys to eating healthy to help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Eat meals and snacks at regular, scheduled times every day. Eat about the same amount at each meal and snack. Following these two suggestions should help your blood sugar levels stay fairly balanced throughout the day. Choose healthy foods to help you gain the appropriate amount of weight during your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain. You only need 300 extra calories during your pregnancy for adequate weight gain.
Carbohydrates
Sources of carbohydrates include grains, starchy vegetables, fruit, milk and milk products. When you eat carbohydrates, your body converts them to sugar to use for energy. Carbohydrates will affect your blood sugar more than proteins or fats so balancing them throughout the day is critical to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Choose healthy carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain cereals that contain at least 3g of fiber, all varieties of potatoes, winter squashes, corn and peas. Eat at least 6 servings of grains and starchy vegetables a day and 3 to 5 servings of other vegetables. You should eat between 2 and 4 servings of fruit each day. Fresh, frozen or fruit canned in its own juice are better choices. Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products are good sources of protein and calcium, which you need during pregnancy, but don't contain as many calories as their higher fat counterparts. You need about 4 servings of milk a day.
Protein
Protein-rich foods help to grow a healthy baby. Protein will also slow down how quickly carbohydrates enter your blood stream. Protein foods contain B vitamins, iron and zinc. Choose lean meats, poultry without skin, dried beans and legumes. Certain types of fish are also healthy choices, but during pregnancy avoid those that may contain high levels of mercury such as shark, mackerel, tilefish and swordfish. Limit albacore tuna to 6 oz. per week. You need approximately 2 to 3 servings of protein foods a day during your pregnancy.
Fat
Small amounts of fats are necessary for the brain development of your baby so don't avoid them completely. Choose healthy fats such as olive or canola oil and soft-tub margarines. Avoid high-fat, greasy foods, fried foods, high-fat desserts and foods containing saturated fats.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Women With Impaired Glucose Tolerance During Pregnancy Have Significantly Poor Pregnancy Outcomes; Yang, X. et al.; September 2002
- American Dietetic Association: Diabetes and Diet
- FDA; What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish; March 2004
- MedlinePlus: Diabetes diet - gestational; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; September 2009
