Carbohydrates in pregnancy
People living with diabetes + carbohydrates = frenemies!
So what are carbohydrates anyway?
To make it simple, carbohydrates are sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose. As a person who lives with diabetes, we know that these in turn, affect our blood sugar levels.
Are carbohydrates important in pregnancy?
Yes! In pregnancy, carbohydrates are very important. Not only for the pregnant person, but for the growing baby inside. Consider it this way, when a person who lives with diabetes (even a person without diabetes, for that matter) exercises, they need food and energy to make them move. When a baby is growing inside us, they too need energy to grow. That energy is fueled by carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate recommendations for pregnancy
So what are the carbohydrate recommendations for an expecting T1D mother in pregnancy? Let’s break it down (this information comes from the Institute of Medicine and was reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board):
1st trimester: 130-175g of carbohydrates daily
2nd trimester: 175g of carbohydrates daily
3rd trimester: 175g of carbohydrates daily
Wait. Stop. No way!? That’s a lot of carbs!
“Oh my! That’s a LOT of carbohydrates!” Yes, it is—but don’t freak out! The 175 g carbs per day recommendation was based on estimated carbohydrate needs for placental energy needs, maternal needs, and the baby’s need for appropriate brain and nervous system development while avoiding ketones. This goal may feel unattainable while living with diabetes, but you may already be close to meet this daily intake recommendation and not even realize it! This is the best time to meet with your Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and look closely at your daily food consumption. How many carbohydrates are there in those carrots or other veggies you like to snack on? Maybe the dressing you like to use? It is possible to achieve these recommendations!
Make it work for you
“There is NO WAY I can eat that many carbs!”
We totally get it! This amount of carbohydrates understandably freaks out a lot of people living with diabetes who are pregnant. So can it be adjusted? Potentially, yes...consult with your medical care team and determine what makes the most sense for you. Body size and type are factors that might require a different amount of daily carbohydrates. If you choose to eat less your medical provider suggest, they may ask you to check for ketones more frequently. There is a higher probability of ketosis in pregnancy for women who live with diabetes. Again, consult with your doctor and make a plan that works for you!
“But I’ve been doing the Keto diet and like its effects on my blood sugar control.”
This is definitely an important conversation! Stay tuned for an upcoming post why diets that look beyond carbohydrates matter.
