Medical consultation provided by Vu Thi Duyen, MSc, MD - Department of General Medicine & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Coconut water is naturally beneficial for both mother and baby as it provides numerous health advantages, including diuretic properties, detoxification, kidney stone prevention and antimicrobial effects. Additionally, consuming coconut water can help pregnant women prevent muscle cramps, support cardiovascular health, relieve constipation and boost immunity.
Nutritional principles for pregnant women with gestational diabetes:
- Ensure adequate nutrition in both quantity and quality to prevent complications such as stillbirth, oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios.
- Divide meals into multiple small portions throughout the day: 5-6 meals per day.
- Maintain a balanced intake of the four essential nutritional groups: Glucid 50-60%, Protid 15-20%, Lipid 20-30%, Vitamins and fiber.
Gestational diabetes patients should carefully choose foods from the following categories:
- Foods with low glycemic index (GI) such as: Brown rice, various types of tubers and root vegetables, black bread,...
- Protein: Foods high in saturated fats: Chicken, beef, shrimp, crab, fish
- Lipid: Foods low in saturated fats: Vegetable oils, lean meat…
- Vitamins and fiber: Choose fruits with low glycemic index, such as: Oranges, guavas, apples. Avoid fruits with high glycemic index, such as: Mangoes, grapes, sugarcane juice, soft drinks… Prioritize fiber intake before consuming other food groups to regulate blood sugar levels.
Important notes from MSc, MD Vu Thi Duyen: Pregnant women should consume whole fruits instead of fruit juices. Juicing removes fiber, which can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, potentially affecting both mother and baby.
Additionally, a common question regarding the diet is whether pregnant women with gestational diabetes can drink coconut water.
Coconut water is naturally beneficial for both mother and baby as it provides numerous health advantages, including diuretic properties, detoxification, kidney stone prevention and antimicrobial effects. Additionally, consuming coconut water can help pregnant women prevent muscle cramps, support cardiovascular health, relieve constipation and boost immunity.
If pregnant women with gestational diabetes follow the dietary principles and make appropriate food choices, their condition should improve within two weeks, reducing the need for medication. However, some cases still require medical treatment, especially for patients with genetic predisposition, obesity, overweight issues, multiple pregnancies or advanced maternal age…
If there is no improvement after two weeks of dietary adjustments, pregnant women should consult an endocrinologist for appropriate treatment.
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