Ensuring a nutritious diet is essential for pregnant women. Some may experience gestational diabetes, impacting the growth of their baby. Guidance will be provided by the midwife and obstetrician.
It is important for women with gestational diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and follow a healthy eating plan. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, focusing on complex carbohydrates, fiber-rich foods, and lean proteins. It is also crucial to limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
In addition to dietary changes, regular physical activity is recommended for women with gestational diabetes. This can help control blood sugar levels and support overall health during pregnancy.
Medical professionals may also recommend medication or insulin therapy to help manage gestational diabetes if diet and exercise alone are not sufficient. It is important to follow the treatment plan provided by healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both the mother and baby.
What is Gestational Diabetes (GDM)?
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) can occur during pregnancy when the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. Risk factors include a high BMI, advanced maternal age, and a family history of type 2 Diabetes.
Monitoring blood sugar levels:
- Before breakfast: Below 5.3 mmol/L
- One hour after each main meal: Below 7.8 mmol/L
How can I control my blood glucose with GDM?
- Implementing diet and lifestyle adjustments is crucial for managing GDM.
- Balancing carbohydrates, protein, and fats is key to controlling blood glucose levels.
- Adapting food choices and portion sizes can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Engaging in physical activity after meals aids in lowering blood glucose levels.
Proteins
- Protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, tofu, and eggs have minimal impact on blood glucose levels.
Fats
- Foods high in unhealthy fats, such as fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty cuts of meat, can contribute to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.
It’s important to focus on consuming a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients to help stabilize blood glucose levels. Monitoring portion sizes and spacing out meals can also help regulate blood sugar throughout the day.
Glycaemic Index (GI)
All foods containing carbohydrates have a Glycaemic Index value, which affects blood glucose levels. Opting for Low GI foods is beneficial for effectively regulating blood glucose levels.
Low GI
- Low GI options include plain rolled oats, whole grains, and brown rice.
High GI
- High GI options to avoid are white bread, cakes, and fruit juices.
Portion size for carbohydrates (carbs)
When consuming carbohydrates, it is important to:
- Monitor portion sizes
- Choose higher fiber, low GI options
- Avoid added sugar
- Pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats
Limiting starchy carbohydrates helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Monitor your diet based on your insulin resistance levels.
Resources that can help with carb counting
- Check food labels for carbohydrate content
- Search online for carbohydrate information
- Use the Carbs & Cals book or App for guidance
- Consult a registered dietitian for personalized advice
- Keep a food diary to track your carbohydrate intake
Fruit & Vegetables
- Incorporate a variety of fruits into your diet for essential nutrients and fiber
Protein
Protein-rich foods are crucial for growth and tissue repair. They lower the GI of meals and help stabilize glucose levels. Include lean proteins in every meal.
Dietary fats play a role in energy and hormone production. Choose healthy fats in moderation.
Saturated
- Avoid fatty meats and processed foods
- Avoid clotted cream
Monounsaturated
- Opt for Omega 3 fats found in avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds
Polyunsaturated
- Choose Omega 6 fats in seeds, nuts, and oily fish
Key messages
Monitor your fat intake to prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
- Monitor added fats in food
- Reduce intake of saturated fat and opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
- Fats can help lower the GI – for example, choose peanut butter or avocado on toast for breakfast
In addition to protein and fats, it’s important to also focus on consuming a variety of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellbeing. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as they are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water each day is essential for proper digestion and overall health.
Meal pattern
Eat regular meals throughout the day to manage blood glucose levels. Avoid skipping meals to prevent overeating or consuming high-impact foods.
Avoid consuming carbohydrates late at night to maintain fasting blood glucose levels. Have dinner before 8pm and snack on low-carb options like nuts, cheese, or Greek yogurt.
- Opt for wholemeal or granary toast with nut butter, egg, cheese, ham, beans, or marmite
- Choose plain rolled oats with unsweetened milk, Greek yogurt, or Skyr
For mid-morning snacks, consider ryvita with peanut butter, fruit, plain yogurt, or nuts.
For lunch, options include vegetable/meat soup, a sandwich with salad and protein, baked potato with skin and salad, or an omelette with cheese/mushrooms/tomato/peppers.
Dinner options can include roast/baked meat or fish with vegetables and small potatoes, lasagne, chili con carne, curry, meat stew, stir-fry, or wholemeal chapattis with curry and salad.
Examples of snacks containing 10-15g of carbs include meat, chicken, fish, ham, cheese strings, or baby bel.
Food safety in pregnancy
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Avoid certain foods during pregnancy, such as raw or uncooked meat and specific types of cheese. Refer to relevant websites for more information.
Exercise in pregnancy
- Regular exercise during pregnancy offers various benefits like stress reduction and improved sleep patterns
- Exercise can improve insulin efficiency, stabilize blood glucose levels, especially after meals
- Refer to resources like ‘Exercise in Pregnancy’ by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
In summary
- Eat three regular meals daily
- Consider small snacks with carbs or opt for carb-free snacks when hungry between meals
- Avoid large meals and distribute carbohydrate portions evenly throughout the day
- Do not skip meals to prevent overeating
- If appetite is poor, consume small and frequent meals like yogurt with fruit and nuts
- Balance main meals with lean meat, fish, salad, and vegetables
- Ensure meat, fish, and seafood are thoroughly cooked
- Maintain good fluid intake with 2 liters of sugar-free fluids daily
- Choose lower carb toast toppings like peanut butter, cheese, marmite, or avocado
- Avoid highly processed breakfast cereals and opt for protein-rich foods
- Engage in 30 minutes of daily exercise, especially post-meal walks, during pregnancy
- Get plenty of rest and listen to your body’s needs during pregnancy
It is important for women to continue regular prenatal care appointments post-delivery to monitor their health and well-being. This includes checking blood pressure, monitoring blood sugar levels, and discussing any concerns or changes in health status with a healthcare provider.
In addition to physical health, it is also important for new mothers to prioritize their mental health. Postpartum depression is a common issue that can affect women after giving birth, so it is important to seek support if feeling overwhelmed or experiencing negative emotions.
Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize self-care during this time of transition. Getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and asking for help when needed are all important aspects of post-delivery care.
Checking your blood sugar level
Test your blood sugar levels using a testing kit, following the correct instructions for accurate results. It is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly to ensure it stays within a healthy range. Share your data with the care team for suitable advice and treatment.
If you are on insulin and experience low blood sugar or unstable levels, consider using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for real-time monitoring. A CGM can provide you with valuable information on your blood sugar trends throughout the day, helping you make informed decisions about your diet, medication, and overall health management.
A healthy diet
A dietitian can offer guidance on dietary changes to control blood sugar levels. Consume starchy, low GI foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Be mindful of foods to avoid during pregnancy and consult a dietitian for meal planning.
Exercise
Regular exercise can effectively manage gestational diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, along with strength exercises.
Consider enrolling in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for additional support with diet, exercise, and weight management.
Medicine
If blood sugar levels remain unstable despite dietary changes and exercise, medication such as metformin or insulin injections may be prescribed.
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
During pregnancy, blood sugar levels may rise, necessitating the use of medication.
Metformin is a common tablet taken up to 3 times a day and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If metformin is ineffective or causes complications, insulin may be recommended and administered through an insulin pen.
Adjustments to insulin dosage may be necessary throughout pregnancy as blood sugar levels fluctuate.
Regular monitoring and management of blood sugar levels are crucial to prevent hypoglycemia.
Monitoring for Gestational Diabetes
Extra antenatal appointments will be scheduled to monitor your baby’s growth and well-being.
Ultrasound scans at regular intervals help assess your baby’s development and monitor amniotic fluid levels.
Delivery and Postnatal Care
Typically, birth is recommended between weeks 38 to 40, with induction or caesarean section if needed.
Healthcare professionals will provide individualized care during labor to ensure stable blood sugar levels.
Immediate feeding after birth is essential to stabilize the baby’s blood sugar levels. Close monitoring may be required if levels are low.
Medication for blood sugar control is usually discontinued post-birth. Follow-up testing for diabetes is crucial.
Postpartum Diabetes Check
A blood test is recommended 6 to 13 weeks after delivery to monitor blood sugar levels.
Regular annual diabetes screenings are advised due to the heightened risk post-gestational diabetes.
Watch the video for more information on gestational diabetes and a woman’s journey through pregnancy after diagnosis.
Page last reviewed: 08 December 2022
Next review due: 08 December 2025