GDM: Alcohol Intake
➤ The RDN should reinforce abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy for
women with GDM. The safest choice for all pregnant women is to abstain
from alcohol to eliminate the risk for alcohol-related birth defects such as
behavioral or neurological defects, growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities
and impaired intellectual development. (Consensus, Imperative)
GDM: Physical Activity
➤ Unless contraindicated, the RDN should encourage women with GDM to
engage in a goal to achieve daily moderate exercise of 30 minutes or more
per day. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise can help improve blood
glucose control and achieve weight gain recommendations. Both aerobic
exercise and non–weight-bearing exercise (e.g., stretching, swimming,
yoga, etc.) have been shown to lower blood glucose levels in women with
GDM. Lifestyle therapy for GDM results in lower birth weight and a lower
incidence of large-for-gestational-age births and pre-eclampsia.
(Strong, Conditional)
Nutrition Intervention
