Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, and is characterized by your body not making enough insulin to turn sugar into fuel. Poor control of gestational diabetes can lead to birth defects, but you may be able to keep it under control with diet and exercise while still getting the extra 300 calories a day that you need. Keep in mind that your doctor can help you determine the best diet plan according to factors like your weight and activity level.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's main source of fuel and are necessary for keeping your blood sugar stable. Sources of carbohydrates include fruit, milk, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. Starchy vegetables like peas, potatoes and corn are also sources. According to Medline Plus, you need six or more servings of carbohydrates a day. One serving is equal to one slice of bread or 1/2 cup of cooked pasta.
Serving Sizes
A varied and balanced diet is important during pregnancy to keep your blood sugar from rising too high or falling too low, and it also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to develop. Medline Plus recommends three to five servings of vegetables a day. One serving is equal to one cup of leafy greens or 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables. You also need two to four servings of fruit, where one serving equals a medium banana or 3/4 cup of fruit juice. One serving of dairy is equal to one cup of milk or yogurt, and you need 4 daily servings. Aim for two to three servings of protein, where one serving is three ounces of meat or one egg. You also need to drink at least 64 ounces of liquids a day, like water or 100 percent fruit juice.
Meal and Snack Timing
The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you eat three meals and two or three snacks at regular times every day during your pregnancy. It is important not to skip any meals, especially breakfast, to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. If you experience morning sickness during your pregnancy, try eating one to two servings of crackers or pretzels before getting out of bed in the morning. If you experience anxiety, sweating and weakness, your blood sugar may be low. Eat something with sugar to bring it back up, like orange juice, hard candy or honey.
Recommendations
Avoid sugary items that can quickly raise your blood sugar and then send it crashing down, like soft drinks, cookies, candy and cake. Your doctor may recommend that you incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule, and you may need to take medication or insulin injections to steady your blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many women who have gestational diabetes will develop diabetes later in life, so be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations closely to keep yourself healthy.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes and Pregnancy
- MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy and diabetes: Why lifestyle counts
- Babycenter: Gestational Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet
- Medline Plus: Diabetes diet - gestational
- Cleveland Clinic: Gestational Diabetes
