Gestational Diabetes
A Few Guidelines for Expecting Mothers with Gestational Diabetes
Questions
If you have questions regarding Gestational Diabetes, please call Southeast Diabetes Center at 573-339-0121
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy.
It is thought to be related to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, although genes and extra weight may also play a role.
Elevated blood sugar during pregnancy is not rare, and, even with a balanced healthy diet and appropriate weight gain, it can occur. Often with a few changes in your meal plan and schedule, the blood sugar can be well
controlled until you deliver a healthy baby.
Limit
- Avoid all sweet drinks including regular soda, sweet tea, lemonade, fruit punch or other sweet drinks. Limit all fruit juices as well.
- Avoid regular sugar, honey, syrup, jellies and jam.
- Try to avoid candy and sweets including desserts and snack cakes.
Include
- Eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks spread throughout the day. This helps to make sure the baby gets nourishment during the day and night.
- Have a balanced diet consisting of protein such as meat, chicken, fish, cheese and eggs along with healthy carbohydrate foods such as fruit, milk and whole grains in smaller amounts.
- Try not to skip meals and snacks.
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day or as directed by your health care provider. Ten minutes of physical activity such as walking, timed 30 minutes after a meal, is encouraged to control blood sugar levels.