If you have high blood sugar during pregnancy, you may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. According to 2004 study in "Diabetes Care," 3 to 8 percent of all pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes and the rate is increasing. The cause of gestational diabetes is unknown, but it may be due to pregnancy hormones blocking the action of insulin. Eating a well-balanced diet, including grains and starches, can help you regulate your blood sugar level. If you already have diabetes before your pregnancy, it is important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes can help you develop a meal plan that is best for you.
Carbohydrates
Grains and starches are types of carbohydrate. When you eat carbohydrates, your body converts them to sugar to be used as energy. Carbohydrates affect your blood sugar more than other types of foods. During your pregnancy you need about half of your calories to come from carbohydrates, but it is important to balance them throughout the day. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating meals and snacks regularly at scheduled times and eating about the same amount at each meal or snack.
Best Grain Choices
When choosing grain products such as bread, crackers and cereals, look for products that list "whole grain" at the top of the ingredient list. Whole-grain foods include the entire part of the grain instead of just parts of the grain. An example of a good choice is 100 percent whole-wheat bread that lists "whole wheat flour" as the first ingredient. Products listing enriched wheat flour are not whole grains. The American Diabetes Association lists other types of healthy grains that you might choose including bulgur, whole oats or oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole grain barley, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. The ADA also suggests choosing cereals with at least 3 g of fiber per serving. Fiber can help relieve constipation, a common problem for pregnant women.
Best Starchy Vegetable Choices
Starchy vegetables contain carbohydrates so they can affect your blood sugar. They also contain important vitamins, minerals and fiber which you need during your pregnancy. The ADA suggests trying parsnips, plantains, all varieties of potatoes, acorn squash, pumpkin, butternut squash, green peas and corn.
Best Dried Bean and Legume Choices
Dried beans and legumes not only contain carbohydrate but are also rich sources of protein and fiber, two important nutrients for pregnant women. Some types of beans include pinto, kidney, black, fat-free refried beans and lima beans. Good choices of legumes include black-eyed peas, split peas, and lentils.
