This is the Real Need for Carbohydrates for Pregnant Women

The general public is of the opinion that an ideally pregnant woman is overweight. In line with this assumption, pregnant women feel they must consume excess carbohydrate foods. Actually what is the ideal dose of carbohydrates for pregnant women? Nutritionists have agreed to suggest that one third of the basic food of pregnant women is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be found in bread, pasta, rice, and cereals. Eat most of your daily carbohydrate needs at lunch. Sources of healthy carbohydrates recommended by doctors are boiled pasta, baked potatoes, cereals, and toast. As much as possible, choose carbohydrate foods from whole grains or whole grains. For mothers who are pregnant, it is not recommended to undergo a low-carb diet or follow a strict diet aimed at losing weight. This is because we can not be sure that the diet will be safe for Mother or baby. Going on a low-carbohydrate diet while pregnant can have an impact on the baby's weight and its future development. Mothers and babies can be malnourished. In addition, drastically reducing the amount of food naturally is not good because it can increase the chance of weight problems in the baby. And vice versa by increasing food intake drastically during pregnancy. Reducing weight during pregnancy and increasing body weight excessively (obesity) is not a healthy step, especially when you're pregnant. Pregnant women who are obese will be exposed to the risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause large babies, making delivery difficult. If this happens, Mother is advised to undergo a cesarean section. Gestational diabetes can also affect the health of the baby after birth, for example babies have low blood sugar levels or jaundice (yellow skin).

Carbohydrate Guide for Pregnant Women

A healthy diet can help protect Mother and baby from gestational diabetes. For pregnant women, the normal dosage ranges from 2,200 to 2,500 calories per day. It is important to pay attention to what you eat and when to eat because if you are overweight before you are pregnant, you are advised to reduce your calorie intake. Carbohydrates from whole grains are good sources for energy, fiber, calcium, iron and B vitamins, all of which are important during pregnancy. These high-fiber foods can help relieve constipation as a common disease during pregnancy. You can eat rice, bread, cereal or pasta 9-11 serving sizes a day. Meanwhile, sugar is another form of carbohydrate, but it is not a good source of nutrition. To maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, limit your intake of sugar. Beware also that foods containing sugar such as cakes, tend to contain high saturated fat too. If you buy packaged food, read the nutritional value information label printed on the package. The total carbohydrate content above 15 percent is high and below 5 percent is low, taking a dose of every 100 grams of carbohydrate. In choosing food, also consider three important nutrients besides carbohydrates, namely fat, fiber, and protein.

Fat

Fat is found in many foods, such as fried foods or fatty meat. Remember that fat is considered a substance that is high in calories and low in nutritional value. In pregnant women who have gestational diabetes, fat can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control. Basically, Mother does need fat to help the process of absorption of vitamins, but not too much fatty food. Choose low-fat or non-fat.

Fiber

Is a type of carbohydrate that provides nutrition and smooth digestion. Fiber is very useful in relieving constipation.

Protein

Protein is found in many vegetable products such as legumes and animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products, poultry, and fish. Mother needs to include protein in the menu at every meal.

Mother, don't just give importance to carbohydrates. Also fulfill your intake of vegetables, fruits, liquids, vitamins and minerals. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and also mix with regular exercise. In addition, it is important to eat regularly at the same hour every day to keep blood sugar levels in balance. If you need help to manage your weight during pregnancy, consult your midwife or obstetrician.