Why is Gestational Diet Important?

It is defined as a physiological condition in which women exhibit high blood glucose or hyperglycemia during pregnancy. Till date, there is no concrete evidence that specify the cause of the elevated blood glucose. However, it is believed that during pregnancy, woman produces several hormones (not known) to disrupt or hinder cellular glucose uptake. Hormones which are involved in the development of fetus also block the action of the mother's insulin in her body where this problem is known as insulin resistance.

It could also be due to diminish maternal insulin sensitivity, thus resulting in high blood glucose levels. With increasing insulin resistance it develops into Gestational Diabetes. Statistically, an approximate 4% of all pregnant women have Gestational Diabetes and it is estimated that over 130,000 cases of gestational diabetes arise in the United States each year.

The elevated blood glucose level affects both the mother and baby in late pregnancy. During late pregnancy, the disease prevents insulin from crossing over the placenta, leaving other nutrients and glucose to pass through the placenta normally. As insulin is blocked and does not cross the placenta, this gives the baby higher glucose content due to low insulin. The fetal homeostatic system senses the presence of high glucose level, it resulted in the release of insulin from the baby's pancreas in order to get rid of the excess glucose in the circulatory system between the mother and the fetus.

Research has proven that with the incorporation of proper Gestational Diet, it can drastically reduce blood glucose level. The following few pointers will outline some of the main approaches that have proven to be effective in maintaining blood glucose level or prevent gestational diabetes with proper gestational diet.

1. Eat a variety of foods: Will increase the distribution of both calories and carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. In addition, by breaking three standard meals into more snacks break may aid in calories moderation which may also contain lower carbohydrate.

2. Do not skip meals: Will aid in keeping blood glucose level in equilibrium throughout the day.

3. Eat a good breakfast: Limit simple carbohydrates intake such as bread, cereal, fruit juice and milk. Same time, individual should seek other source of protein such as white meat (chicken and fish).

4. Include high fibre foods: Food product such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain and cereals are some food which contain high fiber. These foods are described as complex minerals or proteins, which requires more time to metabolize and absorbed by the body. This helps in keeping the blood glucose level from going too high after meals.

5. Limit your intake of food or drinks that contain high sugar content

6. Decrease the intake of milk: As milk is high in lactose (a form of simple sugar), if pregnant women drinks too much milk, they are more susceptible to gestational diabetes. Thus, women have to seek other source of food as an alternative source of calcium.