Gestational Diabetes Diet

Advertisements

Quite a number of women face Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy. Women, who are potentially at risk of being diabetic and planning for pregnancy, should go for a routine examination during first trimester that can aide in identifying the probable Gestational Diabetes. An early treatment and a proactive approach can help in lowering the risk of complications which can seriously affect the health of the baby and the mother.

What is Gestational Diabetes? Causes & Symptoms

Gestational Diabetes is primarily high blood sugar that begins or is initially spotted and diagnosed during pregnancy. As soon as a woman gets pregnant, the possibility emerges that pregnancy hormones can obstruct or even fully block the insulin from doing its work. If such situation arises, the glucose level in the blood of a pregnant woman can rise and result in Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes is mostly seen in women who are above age of 25 years and have a family history of Diabetes. Furthermore, women who experience high blood pressure and already diabetic before pregnancy should visit their doctors for a regular prenatal checkup. Women with an inexplicable miscarriage or still-birth or a baby with birth defect can face diabetes in their following pregnancies. Another cause of Gestational Diabetes in women is obesity. If you are overweight before pregnancy, there is risk of diabetes in pregnancy. Increased thirst and urination, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, weight loss despite a good appetite and frequent infections are some of the key symptoms of Gestational Diabetes. Being pregnant, if a woman experiences such symptoms she should immediately contact her health provider or Gynecologist.

Gestational Diabetes usually draws to a close after the delivery of the baby and it is not at all life threatening to a pregnant woman. It is important to track the glucose level of the pregnant woman as it’s the first step towards the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy. The glucose level should remain in its normal limits to ensure a healthy growth of the baby. As not many medicines can be taken during pregnancy, a healthy diet plan with simple exercises should be followed to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Follow the Diet Plan…

The best means to perk up the diet is by consuming a variety of healthy food.  For that matter it is important to consult your dietitian. Do tell him/ her about your eating habits in detail. For instance if you are a vegetarian or you are having some other special diet, your doctor must know about it. Moderate diet with balanced intake of protein and fats is highly recommended. Intake of carbohydrates is very important in pregnancy, however; increased intake can be hazardous to baby’s health.

Limited levels of carbohydrates through fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals and rice should be taken. Foods such has fries, fruit juices, soft drinks, cakes and pastries should be cut back due to their high sugar content. Small meals on regular basis throughout the day are better than full fledged lunch and dinner. Eat for two but in a limit. A 300 extra calories a day will serve the purpose.