What to Eat for Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes?

Posted on May 18, 2008 in Pregnancy Diet

One of the most common pregnancy complication faced by a pregnant women is the gestational diabetes. The major cause for gestational diabetes during pregnancy is still not known. Like diabetes, gestational diabetes is also characterized by high blood sugar levels. According to some experts overweight women are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes though there are no evidences to support.

It is observed that gestational diabetes develops during 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. According to experts the only cure for gestational diabetes is the delivery of the baby. The blood sugar levels attain their normal level after delivery. One of the most common treatments for controlling the blood sugar levels is Insulin Shots. But it is seen that most of the pregnant women are not comfortable taking insulin shots.

The other best method to control blood sugar level is to make some dietary changes. But before making any changes in your pregnancy diet plan it is advisable to consult your gynecologist. Here are few essential tips regarding your pregnancy gestational diabetes diet:

• It is necessary for a pregnant woman to make sure that she eats approximately 1200mg of calcium daily. To achieve this one should at least consume 4 servings of calcium rich foods and dairy products daily. Calcium rich food includes green vegetables, nuts, calcium fortified beverages and foods and unsweetened ready-to-eat cereal fortified with calcium.
• Make sure that you consume foods rich in carbohydrate as they will provide energy, vitamins and minerals. Foods rich in complex carbohydrate and fiber are vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grain bread, pea, lentils, legumes and dried beans. It is necessary to eat meals almost at the same time daily.
• In case of ready-to-eat cereals the serving size varies. It is better to check the total carbohydrate amount and serving size listed on the food label. It is advisable to keep the total carbohydrate amount to approximately 15g/serving.
• Bedtime snack is very important in gestational diabetes diet plan as it ensures that the blood sugar levels are under acceptable range overnight.
• Eating on the same time daily is very essential as it allows the body to settle in a schedule and then work accordingly on the calorie count.
• Milk is considered to be one of the healthy choices but the consumption of milk should be under moderation. Milk is rich in lactose which is simple sugar. Hence consuming more than 2-3 glasses of milk in a day will be harmful. Instead of milk consider other sources of calcium like decaffeinate unsweetened iced tea or club soda with orange or lemon.
• Besides gestational diabetes diet plan it is necessary to increase the activity level gradually. Exercise is essential to maintain the blood sugar at a normal range. Before following any exercise regimen it is advisable to consult your gynecologist.

Controlled dietary intake, regular exercise and proper care would lead to a healthy pregnancy even in case of gestational diabetes.

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