Gestational Diabetes

A Few Guidelines for Expecting Mothers with Gestational Diabetes

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.