Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source. During digestion, sugar (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood sugar (glucose). Sometimes during pregnancy, the body is not able to maintain proper levels of glucose, which results in gestational diabetes. Monitoring your carbohydrate intake is a key to blood sugar control, as outlined in a plan by your doctor or dietitian.
Carbohydrates are found in lots of different foods. But the healthiest carbohydrate choices include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, and low-fat dairy products. The chart below shows a single serving of carbohydrate-containing foods, which equals 15 grams:
| Grains |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Bagel (white or whole wheat) |
1/2 of a small |
| Bread (white or whole wheat) |
1 slice (1 ounce) |
| Bun (white or whole wheat) |
1/2 of a small |
| Crackers |
4 to 5 |
| Dry cereal, unsweetened |
3/4 cup |
| English muffin |
1/2 of a small |
| Hot cereal (oatmeal, grits, etc.) |
1/2 cup cooked |
| Macaroni, noodles, pasta or spaghetti |
1/3 cup cooked |
| Pancakes and waffles |
1 (4-inch diameter) |
| Pizza crust, thin |
1/8 of medium pizza |
| Rice (white or brown) |
1/3 cup cooked |
| Beans & Legumes |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Beans (baked, black, pinto, red, etc.) |
1/2 cup cooked |
| Lentils |
1/2 cup cooked |
| Starchy Vegetables |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Baked potato (regular or sweet) |
1/2 medium (4 inches long) |
| Corn |
1/2 cup cooked |
| French fries, regular cut |
10-15 fries |
| Peas |
1/2 cup cooked |
| Winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc.) |
1 cup cooked |
| Vegetable soup |
1 cup |
| Fruits |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Apple |
1 small |
| Banana |
1/2 medium |
| Berries (any type) |
1 cup |
| Canned fruit (in light syrup or juice) |
1/2 cup |
| Cantaloupe |
1 cup |
| Cherries |
12 to 15 |
| Grapefruit |
1/2 medium |
| Grapes |
12 to 15 |
| Honeydew melon |
1 cup |
|
Orange
|
1 small |
| Peach |
1 small |
| Pear |
1 small |
| Watermelon |
1 cup |
| 100% Fruit Juices |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Apple juice |
1/3 cup |
| Cranberry juice |
1/3 cup |
| Grape juice |
1/3 cup |
| Grapefruit juice |
1/2 cup |
| Orange juice |
1/2 cup |
| Pineapple juice |
1/3 cup |
| Dairy Products |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Milk (skim or 1% fat) |
1 cup |
| Yogurt (plain, light or sugar-free) |
1 cup |
| Sweets & Snacks |
1 Serving = 15 g carbs |
| Cookies |
2 small |
| Chips |
1 ounce (snack size bag) |
| Frozen yogurt |
1/2 cup |
| Ice cream (low-fat) |
1/2 cup |
| Popcorn (plain or air-popped) |
3 cups |
| Pretzels |
1 ounce (snack size bag) |
| Pudding (sugar-free) |
1/2 cup |
For more information about gestational diabetes, click here.
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