Gestational Diabetes (cont.)
How Will My Diet Change?
If you have gestational diabetes, follow these eating tips:
- Eat three small meals and two or three snacks at
regular times every day. Do not skip meals or snacks.
- Carbohydrates should be 40-45 % of the total calories
with breakfast and a bedtime snack containing 15-30 grams of carbohydrates.
- If you have morning sickness, eat 1-2 servings of
crackers, cereal or pretzels before getting out of bed. Eat small, frequent
meals throughout the day and avoid fatty, fried and greasy foods. If you take
insulin and have morning sickness, make sure you know how to treat low blood
sugar.
- Choose foods high in fiber such as
whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. In
pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes, as in other pregnancies, 20-35
grams of fiber is recommended.
- Fats should be less than 40% of calories with less
than 10% consumed being from saturated fats.
- Drink at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of liquids per
day.
- Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your
daily diet. Ask your health care provider about taking a prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplement to meet the nutritional needs of your
pregnancy.
How Much Exercise Is Safe?
Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease
some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. Being fit during
pregnancy means safe, mild to moderate exercise at least three times a
week. But, every pregnant woman should consult with her healthcare
provider before beginning an exercise program. He or she can give you
personal exercise guidelines, based on your medical history.
Since both insulin and exercise lower blood glucose, you should follow
these additional exercise guidelines to avoid a low blood glucose
reaction:
- Always carry some form of sugar such as glucose
tablets or hard candy
- Eat one serving of fruit or the equivalent of 15 grams of
carbohydrate for most activities lasting 30 minutes. If you exercise
right after a meal, eat this snack after exercise. If you exercise 2
hours or more after a meal, eat the snack before exercise.
Next: How much weight gain is safe during pregnancy? »
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