Gestational Diabetes Diet

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Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women in the United States each year. Even though it often goes away after the baby is born, the chances are, you may develop diabetes later if you have it during pregnancy.

Without proper care, gestational diabetes might be dangerous for the woman and her unborn child. The unborn is expose to macrosomia - a disease that affect fetus, fetus considerable larger than normal - finally woman is operated urgently by caesarean. Therefore, a gestational diabetes diet plan is necessary in controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

If you have diabetes during pregnancy, it is highly recommended that you get advice from a registered dietitian. Your dietitian will assess your nutritional intake and formulate a suitable gestational diabetes diet plan with the right amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates for you and your unborn baby.

*glucose is an important energy source in the body. Carbohydrates become glucose in bodies - carbohydrates comes from foods such  as: breads, pasta, potatoes, rice, fruit, vegetables, sugar and sweets.

Gestational Diabetes Diet - General Eating Guides:

• Eat three small meals and two snacks at regular times every day. Never skip meals or snacks.

• Pay attention to the total calories eaten daily in order to maintain blood sugar levels. The ADA recommends that, for patients with a body mass index greater than 30 kg per m², should lowering daily calorie intake by 30 to 33 percent (to approximately 25 kcal per kg of actual weight per day).

• If you have morning sickness, eat 1-2 servings of crackers, cereal or pretzels before getting out of bed. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid fatty, fried and greasy foods.

• Avoid eating foods and beverage with added sugar.

• Avoid eating foods that contain a lot of simple sugar, such as cake, cookies, candy, ice cream..... Instead, eat foods that contain natural sugars, like fruits.

• Whole grain pasta, breads, pasta, rice, vegetable and fruit are good for both you and your baby. All pregnant women should eat 20-35 grams of fiber a day.

• Fats should be less than 40% of calories with less than 10% consumed being from saturated fats.

• Drink enough water, a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day. Water is the perfect drink, essential for all body functions.

• Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals supplement daily. Get advice from your health care provider about prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement to meet the nutritional needs of your pregnancy.

A nutritionally balanced diet from Gestational Diabetes Diet is essential in maintaining a healthy mother and a successful pregnancy.

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