Nutrition During Pregnancy: Why It Matters
Recommendations regarding sugar intake for pregnant women depend on weight gain and maternal blood glucose levels. Nutrition during the preconception period as well as throughout the pregnancy has a major impact on pregnancy outcome.
Gestational Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Like other types of diabetes, it affects how your cells use sugar (glucose) — and it can cause high blood sugar that affects both your pregnancy and your baby's health.
While any pregnancy complication is concerning, there's good news: gestational diabetes can be managed through healthy eating, exercise, and — when necessary — medication.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
• Women gaining more weight than recommended during pregnancy
• Those with difficulty controlling blood glucose levels
• Anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Dietary Guidance
A high sugar intake is not advisable for women gaining more than the recommended weight or those having difficulty controlling blood glucose levels. It can increase the risk of:
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Premature delivery
• Large-for-gestational-age babies (macrosomia)
• Increased likelihood of C-section delivery
After Delivery
Most of the time, blood sugar returns to its usual level soon after delivery. However, having gestational diabetes means a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later — making regular blood sugar monitoring essential.
Practical Steps
1. Eat healthy, balanced meals — prioritise whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats
2. Stay physically active — walking after meals significantly reduces post-meal glucose spikes
3. Start pregnancy at a healthy weight — this reduces your risk substantially
4. Don't gain more than recommended — your OB or nutritionist can guide you on healthy weight gain ranges by trimester