Benefits of a high carb diet before labor

As your due date approaches, you'll want to load up on fluids and switch to a high-carbohydrate diet. To understand why a high-carb diet is helpful toward the end of your pregnancy you have to understand some basic body science:

1. Our muscles use glucose for energy. It's more complex than this, but in general, all you need to know is that glucose = energy.
2. Glucose is made from glycogen and we can get glycogen by eating large amounts of starchy foods.
3. If we have plenty of glucose, out muscles can work more efficiently - which comes in handy during uterine contractions during labor and can even help ward off back pain.

You may recognize a high-carb diet as "carbo-loading," something athletes do to get ready to manage an athletic event. Well, labor is a major athletic event for your body, so carbo-loading is a smart move. What you should eat to prepare your body for labor:

• Research shows that proper carbo-loading means that about 60% of your calories should come from carbohydrates.
• Foods to eat include: pasta, corn, potatoes, bread, rice, waffles, pancakes, and fruits. To see a full carbohydrate food list visit Carbohydrates in Foods.
• You should still make sure to eat fresh vegetables and drink plenty of water.

*SAFETY NOTE: If you have a condition that warrants a special diet, such as diabetes, or prenatal diabetes, you should stick with the diet your health care provider has planned for you. If you have any concerns about a high-carb diet, talk with your midwife or doctor.