9 Gestational Diabetes Diet Tips to Keep You and Your Baby Healthy

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops when a woman is pregnant. The increased levels of certain hormones that occur during pregnancy can cause a pregnant woman's body to become insulin resistant and not produce a sufficient level of insulin or manage the insulin properly.
If it goes untreated, it can increase the risk that she will develop type 2 diabetes later on in life and can cause the baby to gain too much weight and be born prematurely. Here are 9 gestational diabetes diet tips to help you.
* The most important thing a pregnant woman needs to do if she develops gestational diabetes is to consult with a diabetes specialist and come up with a gestational diabetes diet that will ensure that both her as well as her baby's health is covered.
* For any diabetic, it is very important to eat meals as well as snacks on a regular basis. Meals and snacks should not be skipped, as this could cause unhealthy fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
* Watching your carbohydrates is very important, as this is the type of food that affects blood sugar levels the most. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, starches and vegetables are better than simple sugars because they are digested more slowly which helps to keep blood sugar levels regulated. The daily intake of carbohydrates should be spaced across meals and snacks.
* Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables should be incorporated into the diet.
* If you develop morning sickness, eating one or two servings of pretzels, cereal or crackers first thing in the morning can help.
* Eat foods that are high in fiber like whole grains, cereals, and vegetables.
* Avoid eating fried, greasy and fatty foods.
* Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.

* One final gestational diabetes diet tip is to be sure that you get the proper amount of vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. You may want to consult with your pediatrician or other health care specialist about taking a prenatal mineral and vitamin supplement that can help you to meet your nutritional needs during pregnancy.
If you have gestational diabetes, don't risk you or your baby's health. Click here for more information on a gestational diabetes diet.