Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. That is the reason why it is called ‘gestational’. As with normal diabetes, it occurs when the levels of blood sugar in your body are higher than normal. This can be diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
Gestational diabetes is dangerous because it results in the abnormal growth of the baby. The baby is larger and this may lead to a number of birth complications. Also, the chances you are suffering from type II diabetes after pregnancy will also be higher.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you shouldn’t lose hope and get worried because there are ways in which you can control it. You should watch your diet and you should follow a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy so that it remains in your control. Here is some help for you.
You should steer clear of carbs if you have gestational diabetes. This means that you should avoid foods such as pasta, bread, and cereal. Of course most of your meals contain carbs but if you have gestational diabetes you should be extremely careful.
You should reduce carb intake so much that the number of calories you get from carbs should be less than even half of the total calories required per day. To be specific, you should avoid all sweets. Beans, starchy vegetables, and whole grains are healthy options. You should concentrate on including these in your diet.
On a general note, you should eat six small meals per day when you are pregnant. You should make sure you consume at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day, alongside. Increase the intake of fiber and reduce the intake of carbs to control gestational diabetes.
Proteins come from whole grains, nuts, beans, eggs, meat, and dairy products. Proteins are a must everyday for you. Go for low-fat dairy products each day so as to control your gestational diabetes. Dairy products are important for calcium and since you have gestational diabetes, you should switch to low fat options. Go for low-fat meat too. Include vegetarian proteins or fish, eggs, and chicken in your diet according to your preferences.
Your baby requires fat and thus, you shouldn’t control your fat intake too much. Fats are important for the development of the brain of your baby. Also, if you eat fat, you will be able to control hunger pangs. However, you should know which fats are healthy.
Unsaturated fats are what you should consume. Saturated fats that are found in pork, beef, butter, and cheese should be avoided. Plant-based fats are the best and they are found in safflower oil, canola oil, and olive oil.
Remember that in technical terms, you are eating not for one person but for two during your pregnancy. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you may not require too much weight gain during your pregnancy. Your doctor will keep track of your weight so that you know how much weight gain is healthy for you.
Your calorie intake should be in check and so should your weight. Be in constant touch with your doctor for help. Remember that complication risks will increase if you gain too much weight or lose too much weight while suffering with gestational diabetes.
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