What are you expecting? That question can be answered in many ways. Pregnancy is full of new and exciting changes - some things you are expecting and others will be new to you. Most important, pregnancy is all about you and your baby.

If you have been diagnosed with GDM, it’s time to focus on managing your blood sugar levels by making adjustments to your current diet. This is probably the last thing you want to hear as a pregnant woman experiencing cravings for all kinds of fun food. However, this is very important to you and your baby’s health and you might be surprised at how many different foods you can still eat as long as you balance what is on your plate.

Managing GDM includes focusing on healthy eating habits and includes smart food choices. Keeping your blood sugar level throughout the day will promote the best outcome for you and your baby.

What you eat, how much you will need to consume, and overall weight gain during pregnancy is based on the individual. The amount of weight you will be recommended to gain will depend on how much you weighed before pregnancy. The average woman (average weight prior to conception) will generally need an additional 300 calories during the second and third trimester. Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain so far, your meal plan calories are best determined by a Registered Dietitian (RD) in conjunction with your doctor.

Individuals with GDM should work carefully with a Registered Dietitian and their physician to make sure the plan is addressing all necessary health concerns. Controlling carbohydrates is often an important part of the meal plan because carbohydrates affect blood sugar.

The American Diabetes Association would consider you high risk for GDM if:

1. Your body mass index is above 30.
2. You have had GDM in a previous pregnancy.
3. Family history of diabetes-sibling, parent, etc.

Some doctors will screen early if the following have occurred:

1. Sugar in your urine
2. You have a history of delivering high birth weight babies (The most common cut off has been 8lb. 13 oz., while others use 9 lbs. 14 oz.).
3. You have a history of an unexplained stillbirth.
4. You've had a baby with a birth defect.
5. You have high blood pressure.

The foods you choose can help you lose weight, and eating a healthy, balanced diet will also decrease your risk of developing GDM. Replace sweetened beverages such as juice drinks, sweetened tea, or soda with water. Snack on fruit instead of candy or chips. Add vegetables to your lunch and dinner meals so you eat fewer calories and get nutrients. Choose foods lower in fat by grilling instead of frying chicken or fish and use lower fat dairy products.

Foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, legumes (dried beans and peas like lentils, garbanzo beans, or kidney beans), and whole grains can also decrease your risk of GDM.2 Look for the word "whole" in the first ingredient on a food label for breakfast cereal, breads, and crackers to get the most fiber.

Meal planning should include eating several small meals throughout the day. Researchers recommend at least three small-to-medium sized meals and two-to-four snacks every day to help maintain blood sugar levels appropriately. It is important to include a variety of foods and a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal.

Below you will find a 3-day sample menu of meals and snacks to help maintain your glucose levels. Ideal caloric intake for women with gestational diabetes is not defined. This menu is based on a 2,200 calorie meal plan, designed for a woman who weighed 130-135 pounds pre-pregnancy and developing GDM. The menu may not be customized for your needs, so it is important to discuss any meal plan with your Registered Dietitian and doctor.

Example of a meal plan for someone with GDM