Carbohydrates During Pregnancy – Importance and Sources

Why Are Carbohydrates Important During Pregnancy?

The metabolic adaptations during pregnancy are essential to support your and your baby’s nutritional requirements. That’s why for a steady energy flow, it is crucial to take more carbohydrates when a woman is pregnant. Hence, to get the fullness feeling, it’s an excellent idea to include rich sources of carbohydrates such as wholegrain cereals, oats, rice, and lentils.

These sources provide energy and good sources of minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins. But during pregnancy, you need to limit those carbohydrates that cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. 

Here are a few reasons why carbohydrates are necessary during pregnancy

• Healthy carbohydrates help manage blood sugar levels and decrease the odds of gestational diabetes.
• It’s helpful to gain a healthy body weight and avoid obesity risk.
• Healthy carbs help meet the energy requirements of the developing fetus.
• Eating good carbohydrates is useful for dealing with pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting during the first trimester.
• Carbohydrate-rich food containing phytonutrients helps eliminate free radicals during carb metabolism.

Food Sources That Are Rich in Carbohydrates

Eating plenty of carbohydrates is excellent for a continuous energy supply. But ensure to include a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates, provide slow energy release, and supply minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins. 

Here are a few sources of carbohydrates that you can include in your diet

• Millets
• Whole Grain pasta
• Whole Grain bread
• Brown rice
• Sweet potatoes /potatoes
• Wholegrain cereals
• Vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, and asparagus
• Fruits such as banana
• Legumes
• Dairy products such as yogurt and milk
• Lentils
• Beans such as red, kidney, chickpeas, and lima beans
• Water chestnut

[Read : How Good Are Bananas For You During Pregnancy?]

Which Carbs Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Although carbs are essential during pregnancy, you may need to avoid a few that absolutely don’t add any nutritional value. The simplest carb breaks down into glucose, easily dissolved into the blood. It releases quick energy, which doesn’t last long. The carbohydrates that come from processed food should be avoided during pregnancy.

Processed food doesn’t have vital nutrients, fiber, and minerals. As a result, prolonged consumption of such carbohydrates can lead to constipation and increase blood sugar levels. This further increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Some carbohydrate sources to be avoided are chips, white bread, and candy. In addition to these food items, a pregnant woman should avoid the following carb-rich food.

• Sugary-rich food like pastries, cake, biscuits, lollies, etc.
• Bakery food items and ice-creams
• Sweetened beverages, preservative-rich food, corn syrups, etc
• Gluten rich bread

[Read : Ice Cream During Pregnancy]

What is the Ideal Daily Intake of Carbohydrates During Pregnancy?

There is no set limit of daily intake of carbohydrates recommended by experts during pregnancy time. But as per experts, daily carbohydrate intake should not exceed 100 grams. Consuming more carbohydrates can cause ketosis (a metabolic state during which fat breaks down into simpler molecules to meet calorie requirements). Many nutritionists also suggest that about 60% of calorie intake must come from carbohydrates in pregnant women. However, the source of carbohydrates must be whole-grain food.

Pregnancy is a wonderful phase of a woman’s life. Many women are concerned about their eating and carbohydrates to avoid issues of gaining excessive weight and supporting growing life in her. So, this is all about carbohydrates in pregnancy. Ensure to eat healthily, consume nutrient-loaded food, and avoid adopting a low carbohydrate diet, as it can affect the unborn baby inside the womb. Take plenty of good carbohydrates and vital nutrients to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

FAQ’s

1. Do Carbs Increase Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy?

The amniotic fluid contains different forms of carbohydrates, such as glycosaminoglycans, complex-type N-glycosidic glycans, and O-glycosidic glycans. Regular consumption of carbohydrates during pregnancy can help to increase amniotic fluid uric acid and glucose, which further increase amniotic fluid.

2. Should I Avoid Eating Carbs-Diet During Pregnancy?

No, a woman should not eliminate carbohydrates from her diet during pregnancy. Carbohydrates are a good source of energy, fiber, and essential minerals that helps to support the growth of new life. However, a woman must avoid carbohydrates such as sweetened beverages, white bread, and candies.

3. What Quantity of Carbohydrates Should a Pregnant Woman Consume?

Carbohydrates are vital energy sources for the human body and are essential during pregnancy. Hence, a pregnant woman should include at least 175-210 grams of carbohydrates per day in her diet.

Read Also: Vitamin A During Pregnancy