Pregnancy may be a demanding stage for women to manage. From dental health to the bone, reproductive, and even blood sugar, it may be challenging to juggle. But, one of the most important things to remember is to watch out for gestational diabetes. Having diabetes during pregnancy can be risky for both the mom and the baby. You may click on www.shchatswoodmedicalcentre.com.au/dietary-guidelines-australia for other dietary guidelines in Australia that may help you. On the other hand, this guide is meant for US pregnant women. If you want to refer to the right gestational diabetes diet menu, check your local health department for their guidelines. 

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Until now, scientists, doctors, and dieticians don’t know what causes gestational diabetes. But, many factors can trigger gestational diabetes, particularly for pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is an elevated blood sugar level during pregnancy that affects both the woman and the unborn baby. However, diabetes isn’t just a sugar problem; rather, it can lead to immune system disorders such as Type 2 diabetes. When the body can’t produce as much insulin as it needs, especially during gestational diabetes for both the child and the mom, the blood sugar rises. Hence, a scheduled appointment to an OB-GYNE can help mothers check if they have gestational diabetes. 

What Should Gestational Diabetes Patients Need To Watch Out For

It is risky for anyone of any age to acquire diabetes as there is no cure or treatment. Diabetes is a chronic disease, meaning the person needs to maintain their glucose or blood sugar throughout their life. So, the best medicine is prevention at this time. Apart from taking care of your gestational diabetes diet menu, there are other health problems during pregnancy that needs regulation. If you want to provide the best for your baby, you need to be alert for some symptoms and signs of diseases. Here are a few things you should know when you have gestational diabetes.

Complications With Prescription Medication

People with diabetes may also require to have prescription drugs from their doctor, particularly insulin, to help manage their blood sugar levels. But, pregnant women with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes must ensure that their current medications don’t conflict with other illness drugs. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) must have a diet meal plan that doesn’t have side – effects when taking anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medicine. 

Check Your Dental Health 

Sugar affects the whole body, not just the digestive systems, liver, or kidneys. Teeth will be prone to more cavities, plaque, and gum diseases due to gestational diabetes. So, a gestational diabetes diet menu free of sugar and calories can prevent oral health illnesses. Make sure that you’re taking care not just you and your baby’s physical health but also your dental wellness. 

Proper Sleep And Rest

It may not be enough to just stick with a diet meal that can give you an energy boost for the rest of your day. A tip for maintaining your body in its healthy condition is to sleep well and rest as much as you can. However, women with gestational diabetes must have balanced sleep and active hours to have a health plan before giving birth.  

Commitment To An Exercise Program

Aside from monitoring your symptoms, it may be best to follow a sample exercise program in managing diabetes mellitus. Recipes with carbohydrate and fats need burning, so gain more energy and decrease fat by doing light fitness workouts. Furthermore, a doctor may suggest an ideal weight during your pregnancy, so both your diet plan and your exercise program is a must. 

Sample Gestational Diabetes Diet Meal Plan During Pregnancy

Don’t know what to eat for you and your baby? If you’re worrying too much about the side effects of diabetes in your health, check out our diet menu. Dieticians can recommend an intake per grams, calories or serving. Hence, make sure that you talk to your dietician and nutritionist for advice on a personal gestational diabetes diet menu. Here is a list of what you, as a soon-to-be mother, may eat to maintain or prevent gestational diabetes. 

• Breakfast (Recommended: 30 grams)

Avocado

One slice bread (non-white)

1 Hard-Boiled egg = 155 calories and ½ protein

• Lunch (Recommended: 45 grams)

Brown or Wild Rice, Lentils

Chicken, Fish (salmon, sardines, or tuna), Tofu

Vegetables – Lettuce, Tomatoes

1 Medium Whole Fruit – Apple, Banana, Orange

• Snacks (Recommended: 15 – 30 grams)

*Can eat snacks in between breakfast and dinner

½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (or blueberry parfait)

Mashed carrots with hummus

2 Tablespoon nuts

• Dinner (Recommended: 15 – 30 grams)

Salmon or chicken breast

1 cup of raw vegetables

1 cup fat-free milk

Additional Notes:

Although you may find a few of these foods limited to your tastes, you can refer to your doctor for their thoughts on salads, oils, fats (butter, margarine) and types of cooked meat. You may still fill hungry, but it is better to stick with snacks around 15 grams or less to prevent your increase in glucose production. 

Avoid These During Your Prenatal Stage:

Gestational diabetes comes from sugar intake, so, temptations like desserts, white bread, or fatty foods aren’t allowed. Here are other foods you need to stop eating while you have gestational diabetes. 

• Soda
• Juice
• Pasta
• White Bread
• Desserts With Sugar
• Candy
• Fast Foods 
• Processed Carbs
• Fried Food

Are There Risks With An Unmanaged Diet Meal Plan?

Since there is still no treatment for a diabetic person, it is best to consult a dietitian for a sample meal plan for your good diet. Food is still essential for day to day basis. Notably, women need to nourish bot her body and her child. But, apart from the easy recipes and ideas for meals that you can follow, you must first try to beat and manage your gestational diabetes as it is treatable. There can be certain risks that women may face when the time to deliver their baby comes.

Future High Levels Of Diabetes

Doctors say that when a woman gives birth to gestational diabetes, there is a chance of obesity or type 2 diabetes in her future’s health. Diabetes is a life-long illness that can even lead to fatal consequences. As people grow old, diabetes may show symptoms in the latter stages. Support your health by eating the right food for your prenatal health. 

C-Section Delivery

It may be hard to give birth to a 9-pound infant as overeating meals or carbs can increase weight gain for you and your baby. Ultimately, C-section or caesarian surgery is needed to have a healthy baby delivered. C-section nowadays is possible and more comfortable, thanks to modern medical surgery techniques. However, there are still risks with pregnancy for overweight babies, and especially it may take a longer time to give birth that can put the woman in serious health complications. 

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

According to doctors, women can experience respiratory distress syndrome where they can’t breathe properly. Since weight can collapse the lungs, fluid can enter the sacs inside the lungs and may be a cause of a severe health issue. Some cases suggest that this syndrome can even lead to death.