Gestational diabetes is a disorder that will affect about 4% of all pregnant women in the United States. It’s not fully understood why some women get it, as it usually goes away once the baby is born. One theory is that the stress of pregnancy itself causes it, but whatever the cause, any woman diagnosed with it will need to follow a gestational diabetes diet plan.
In fact, this type of diet should be followed if an expectant mother also has pre-existing diabetes. The risk of fetal defects and even death is considerably higher with gestational diabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, in the mother is the main cause of any problems caused by this condition. When this happens, the fetus will begin to produce large amounts of insulin to deal with the excess glucose (sugar) that crosses the placenta.
Increased insulin levels in the fetus cause a condition known as macrosomia, which results in a larger-than-normal body and head. It can also cause breathing problems, as well as hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, or jaundice in newborns.
It is strongly recommended that any woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes receive nutritional counseling and create a diet plan with the help of a registered dietitian. It is vitally important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy and this is best achieved by modifying the diet.
A diet for gestational diabetes is individualized for each pregnancy based on the weight and height of the mother. It will also provide an adequate amount of calories and nutrients needed during pregnancy, as well as control blood glucose levels. In addition, the mother will need to check her blood sugar levels at least four times a day to make sure her glucose levels are under control. Once good glucose control is established, the frequency of self-monitoring can be decreased, but should be continued throughout the pregnancy.
The diet plan must meet the desired weight gain and nutritional requirements necessary for a normal pregnancy. For the first trimester, weight gain should be in the 2-4 pound range and then an additional pound each week for the second and third trimesters. During the second trimester it is recommended that caloric intake be adjusted upwards by approximately 100 to 300 kcal/day above the first trimester. Protein intake should also be increased during pregnancy to 10 grams per day, either by drinking two glasses of milk or 1 to 2 ounces of meat. Folic acid 400 ug/day should also be included in the gestational diet to help prevent birth defects and neural tube defects.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a very real threat during pregnancy, so calorie restriction should only be done under direct medical supervision. The minimum number of calories eaten per day should not be less than 1,700 to 1,800 and these calories should come from foods of high nutritional value.
A gestational diabetes diet plan is a crucial part of any pregnancy for women suffering from this dangerous condition. Any pregnant woman diagnosed with this disorder should be evaluated by a registered dietitian who will then help the woman meet her dietary needs.