Gestational Diabetes Diet and Meal Plan

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Diabetes occurring during a pregnancy is gestational diabetes. Higher levels of glucose in blood can cause harmful effects for mother and unborn baby in the womb. Sometimes consequences are even after birth of baby as he/she may be born with diabetes. Fortunately, with advancement in science, it has become possible to lower risks during pregnancy. In order to maintain health of mom and its baby it is necessary to control the level of glucose in blood.

Planning of Meals for a Gestational Diabetic Female

It is unimaginable that a wannabe mother will know guidelines for gestational diabetes plan. However, it is possible to avail services of a registered dietitian during pregnancy. Health provider will personally work with the patient to make a gestational diabetes diet plan.This will seem like a boon for mother, as it will become easy to follow rules, instead of gathering information and planning appropriate menus.

Basic Plans of Meals

While planning a Gestational diabetes diet menu special attention must be given to the fact that during pregnancy, it is necessary to provide our body with nutrients, so that it is possible for baby to develop and grow at a normal rate. Some simple gestational diabetes recipes include the following-

• For a pregnant woman it is necessary to have at least twelve to fourteen choices of carbohydrates every day.
• In most cases, vegetables do not increase levels of glucose in bloodstream. As nutrient content is high in vegetables, it is wise to eat a minimum of four vegetable servings throughout daily. Some beneficial vegetables are lettuce, beans, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin and broccoli. All the vegetables must be washed properly before eating either in raw or cooked form.
• Protein is very important during pregnancy as it helps to build cells and takes care of development and growth of a baby. A pregnant woman requires nearly eight protein ounces per day. Some beneficial protein products are chicken, some varieties of fish, nuts and peanut butter.
• Fats have calorie contents that help in supplying required amount of energy to the pregnant body. Fats are also necessary as they produce fatty acids that are helpful in absorbing vitamins K, E, D and A. Good fat sources are avocados, nuts and fatty fish.

[Must Read: What Foods And Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy]

Basic Concepts to Combat Gestational Diabetes

Following some simple steps can make life of a gestational diabetic patient quite easier. These are as follows:-

• Eating meals frequently and in small quantities within duration of three hours will provide ease to the pregnant female. As the carbohydrates are spread evenly during the full day, glucose levels in blood remains stable.
• While eating, special attention must be given to gestational diabetes meal plan. Some amount of protein must be included during every meal as it helps in controlling blood glucose. Protein is also necessary to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
• During pregnancy, glucose levels in bloodstream are higher in mornings. It is prudent to eat breakfast judiciously as gestational diabetes diet will contain one serving each of little protein, a bit of starch and one serving of milk.
• Diet for gestational diabetes must include many fluids including a minimum capacity of eight water glasses. It is sensible to avoid consumption of soft drinks and alcohol, as they tend to raise levels of glucose.