Diet Tips for Women with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a very serious disease for a pregnant woman to deal with. There are several severe complications that can be caused by gestational Diabetes, both in the short term and in the long term. The long term complications can become chronic, meaning for the rest of the woman's life, unless a cure is found. In the short term, Gestational Diabetes can cause the fetus to be extremely large, and may cause the baby to be too large to be delivered. This also increases the chances that the woman with Gestational Diabetes will have to have a Cesarean Section. A Cesarean Section (C-Section) is major surgery and surgery has risks of it's own. Large babies also are also more likely to require things like suction or forceps to help with delivery. In the long term, the woman with Gestational Diabetes could also develop type 2 diabetes, which could become chronic or permanent, from having Gestational Diabetes.

Eating properly is key to controlling Gestational Diabetes. Eating a balanced diet while you are pregnant is very important even if a woman does not have Gestational Diabetes. If a woman does have Gestational Diabetes, eating a balanced diet is even more important. There are several changes that a woman who has Gestational Diabetes, can make to her diet to help control it. In addition, there are other changes that a woman with Gestational Diabetes in her lifestyle.

Diet- Here are some changes in diet that can be made.

Cut down the number of carbohydrates that are eaten- breads, rice, cereals, pastas,sweets, soda

Eat appropriate portions. Eating large portions is a problem for many people.

Eat vegetables. Vegetables are food that can be eaten by diabetics in large quantities so long as the

amounts of fats and oils that are used on them. Be careful though, because some vegetables are

also starches, such as potatoes and corn, starches turn to carbohydrates. (fats and oils such as,

dressings, butter and

cheese)

Protein rich foods are a better choice than carbohydrates. Foods such as chicken, fish, beans, peanuts

and peanut butter, lentils and other meats, but be careful of fatty meats such as beef or pork

Drink plenty of water

Avoid sweets and sugary foods. Cakes, candies, cookies and such are not part of a balanced diet.

Other changes- These are changes that can also help a woman with Gestational Diabetes to control it.

Get enough sleep. (This is important to all people who are diabetic.)

Get more exercise. (Exercise can help to control diabetes in that it burns off calories and keeps the

circulation in feet and hands good.)

Avoid stress if possible.

These are only some of the things a woman with Gestational Diabetes can do to help control her diabetes. The doctor may give the woman with Gestational Diabetes a strict diet to follow. If a doctor does give a woman with Gestational Diabetes a strict diet, she should be sure to follow it as closely as possible. The doctor may also give the woman with Gestational Diabetes an exercise plan as well, she should also try to follow this as closely as possible as well. Following all of the doctors orders is very important for the health of the woman and baby as well.