Nutrition is important during pregnancy, so that the fetus has a healthy development. Unfortunately gestational diabetes is induced by high blood sugar (glucose) during pregnancy and can affect the baby in the womb. This condition usually affects 3% – 10% of pregnancies. You must be aware that gestational diabetes is not the same as pregestional diabetes, that might occur prior to pregnancy.
Risk factors in gestational diabetes
There are a series of risk factors linked with gestational diabetes:
– a previous diagnosis of gestational or pregestational diabetes
– Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
– maternal age (women over 35 are exposed to this risk)
– being overweight (obesity is a factor for developing gestational diabetes)
– family history of diabetes
– sugar in the urine
– polyhydramnios (having too much amniotic fluid)
– being from an ethnic group of high risk (Black, Asian, Native Americans, Hispanic)
In most cases gestational diabetes is no longer an issue once the baby is born. If you had gestational diabetes during the first pregnancy, the chances that you develop this condition during your second pregnancy are quite low, depending on the risk factors.
Gestational diabetes management
For those suffering from gestational diabetes, it’s important to diminish the risks of this condition by following the methods of precaution stated bellow. These methods include:
– Monitoring urine for ketone
– Monitoring sugar blood levels (glucose)
– Following specific dietary guidelines as prescribed by your doctor
– Monitoring weight gain
– Exercising 30 minute each day
– Controlling high blood pressure
– Taking insulin (when and if needed)
Dietary guidelines
The gestational diabetes diet is based on a form of rules that consists in having three main, regular meals and two snacks during a day.
Moreover never neglect the importance of breakfast. Eating breakfast can help regulate the blood sugar levels. Opt for cereals with milk or some porridge as this meal will release energy in the first hours of the morning.
It’s advisable to eat a variety of foods to disperse the calories intake evenly during the day.
High fiber foods are the best choice. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they provide not only fibers but also vitamins and minerals for the body to function properly.
When you are on a gestational diabetes diet try to eat whole bread, cereals and vegetables. As these foods are absorbed slower than carbohydrates they can help prevent the sugar blood levels from going to high.
Also it’s advisable to limit everything that contains a lot of sugar, such as candy, chocolate, soda, fruit juice and flavored tea.
Milk is high in lactose, which is also a type of simple sugar. To get the amount of calcium needed please search for a substitute during the gestational diabetes dieting.
Can you control the rise of glucose only by diet ?
Sometimes, no matter what you eat or drink, you won’t be able to control the rising blood sugar levels. In case this happens, the doctor will prescribe medication or even insulin injections to keep the glucose levels under control.
For a good pregnancy outcome it’s recommended to consult your
doctor and take preventive acid folic supplements. Also self monitoring
the blood glucose levels is advisable. Exercise and healthy eating are
the best methods to preserve the health of the mother and the infant. Usually the blood sugar levels returns to normal after pregnancy because the placenta is gone.
Screening for diabetes is a measure of precaution for the future. Luckily by eating healthy and exercising you will be able to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.