Diabetes in pregnant women is medically known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM.
It is a type of diabetes that women previously did not get but only during her pregnancy.
The stomach and intestines breaks down the carbohydrate in food into sugar called glucose.
After digestion, the glucose is used by the body to make energy.
Then, the glucose in your blood needs a pancreatic hormone called insulin to enable the cells of the body to absorb it.
When your body doesn't make enough insulin, or when the cells can't use the blood glucose in your body, then you have a condition called Diabetes.
To ensure the safety and the health of the mother and the baby, a diet for gestational diabetes must be followed.
Gestational diabetes happens to 1% to 3% of all pregnant women.
It usually begins in the second trimester of pregnancy.
In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after the woman gives birth.
High sugar levels in the pregnant woman's blood can be risky for her and the baby.
If gestational diabetes isn't treated, the baby would be more likely get sickly at birth.
The baby may have low blood sugar levels, jaundice, or macrosomia, a case when the baby weighs much more than normal.
Gestational diabetes may also affect the difficulty of the delivery.
When the baby is very large, the pregnant woman with gestational diabetes must ideally undergo cesarean section.
Women with gestational diabetes must follow a diet that suits their pregnancy needs as well.
A diabetes diet based on weight, height, daily energy consumption and the nutritional need of the unborn baby must be well computed.
The American Diabetes Association recommends a well balanced diet for gestational diabetes.
In this diet, they must eat a variety of foods with fewer carbohydrates and evenly distribute small meals throughout the day.
Although your meal plan may contain fewer carbohydrates, a high-fiber meal can normally replace the satisfaction carbohydrates do to fill the hunger.
High-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and dried peas, beans, and legumes must be considered.
These foods are slow to digest compared to simple carbohydrates, which may help maintain a stable blood sugar level even after meals.
Blood glucose levels are mostly high in the early morning hours.
To keep a healthy blood glucose level, lessen carbohydrates such as white breads, cereals and milk.
Most importantly for the growing baby, a high-protein intake is more preferable.
Avoid beverages that contain high sugar such as soda, fruit juice, flavored teas, and most desserts.
Seek the advice of dietitians in choosing the artificial sweetener that is best for pregnancy.
Daily exercise, preferably in moderation, is also a good way to burn calories caused by a sugary diet.
A diet for gestational diabetes is also about eating on time.
Be particular with the time of eating since this maintains the right interval of food and energy consumption.