Tag: Good Nutrition

Proper Nourishment For Pregnant Women With Diabetes

Pregnancy is probably the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to any woman. This is why proper nutrition and nourishmentdespite having a chronic illness such as diabetesshould be paid attention in order to ensure the health and well being not only of the mother but of the baby as well.

One of the most important aspects of pregnancy that should be paid attention to is proper nutrition. This cannot only be achieved by eating a variety of foods from different food groups but also by taking in prescribed supplementation. Since not all pregnant women are very tuned into eating a broad range of foods that are good sources of crucial nutrients during pregnancy, taking in supplements such as calcium, multivitamins and iron is necessary to support the growing baby inside the womb.

Ideal nourishment

Generally, pregnant women are advised to eat well-balanced meals that comprise of foods coming from all food groups so she can provide the proper nourishment for the baby and herself. Good nutrition by eating healthy foods and a well-balanced diet does not only ensure that the baby gets the nutrients he or she needs but this also help in minimizing some of the pains and discomfort caused by the symptoms of pregnancy.

To achieve optimum nutrition, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that are rich in folate, calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals that can be found in whole grain breads, pastas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and dairy products. The following are just some of the nutrients pregnant women need during the gestation period.

– calories. Pregnant women are advised to take in about 300 extra calories coming from a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains are needed everyday to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

– protein. Protein nourishment is very important during pregnancy because it provides the building blocks for the babys growth especially in proper brain development. Pregnant women with diabetes are advised to aim for 30 grams of protein or more daily that should come from various animal and dairy products such as cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, beef, lamb, yogurt, cereals, grains, pasta, legumes, beans, peanuts, broccoli, peas, and leafy green vegetables.

– Vitamin C. Enough supply of Vitamin C is quiet significant for a pregnant woman because it strengthens her immunity and helps in building strong collagen, bone and teeth for the growing baby. Since Vitamin C cannot be restored in the body, a fresh supply is needed daily to ensure that the mother gets enough of this nutrient. Excellent Vitamin C sources include green leafy and yellow vegetable as well as yellow fruits.

– calcium. For bone and tooth formation, calcium intake is another significant nutrient pregnant woman should increase. Experts say that about 1,200 mg of calcium daily is recommended for lactation and pregnancy. Calcium sources include dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

– iron. Iron is a very important mineral needed to avoid the possibility of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. The recommended iron intake for pregnant women is 30 to 50 mg that should come from lean meats, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, and whole grain cereals. But since it is difficult to get enough iron in diet intake alone, the doctor usually prescribes iron supplement.

Pregnant women with diabetes should be more particular about their eating patterns now more than before because maintaining proper levels of glucose can highly contribute to the overall of both mother and child.

Dealing With Diabetes Among Pregnant Women

Carrying a life inside the womb for nine months is probably the most wonderful experience any woman could ever have. In this stage called pregnancy, it is very important for an expectant mother to pay attention to good nutrition because this is very vital for her and her babys health. Pregnancy for regular women is complicated as it is, how much more for women who are suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes?

During the course of the pregnancy, the mother and the baby need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Pregnancy is indeed not the time to lose weight or go on a diet because having a nutritionally sound diet can increase the chances for the baby to have a normal birth weight, proper brain development, and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. All these and more should be of topmost consideration for pregnant women who have diabetes.

What you need to know

Diabetes has three types, the type 1 diabetes which is the least common type but predominantly diagnosed among kids and teens, the type diabetes which is the most common to all ages and the gestational diabetes which are common for women once they get pregnant. It can be said that among these three types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is the easiest to deal with because it usually ends once the woman gives birth. However, this is not always the case because there are also those that continue to suffer from the disease that can lead to type 2 diabetes if not monitored and given proper medical attention immediately.

Although almost pregnant women are expected to suffer from gestational diabetes at one point during their pregnancy, there are also those who suffer from it even before they conceive. In this scenario, dealing with diabetes can be harder and much more complicated. But now, with the help of modern technology and advances in the field of medical research, pregnancy for women who are diabetics is fairly easier and lesser risk when it comes to the overall health of the baby and the mother as well.

First things first

For women who are diagnosed with diabetes, getting pregnant should be an utmost decision to make. This is because it will greatly determine not just the babys health but the womans overall health condition as well. For women who are planning to get pregnant despite suffering from diabetes, the major consideration to ponder on is the readiness of the womans body. This is very important to ensure that the woman can meet all the challenges and difficulties that goes with pregnancy.

To know if the womans body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way.

Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases.

What you can do

With proper daily management, many women were able to have successful deliveries. The following are just some of the things that helped them along the way:

– frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG);

– administering insulin injections and identifying how to adjust the doses depending on results of their SMBG;

– controlling and treatment of hypoglycemia;

– maintaining an appropriate level of regular exercise or physical activities; and an

– appropriate meal plan specially designed for women who have diabetes.