Implicações das restrições alimentares na vida diária de mulheres com diabete melito gestacional

Abstract

Diet is one of the main focuses of treatment for diabetic pregnant women, and constitutes a recommended strategy for appropriate gestational monitoring and healthy childbirth. This qualitative, descriptive study examined the implications of diet restrictions in the daily lives of women with gestational diabetes mellitus. The study was performed between July and November 2010 at a university hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, by means of interviews of 25 diabetic pregnant women in outpatient care. Data assessment was thematic. The women had difficulty sticking to the prescribed diet plan, which has adverse implications for their daily lives. Nutritional counseling should be flexible and contemplate the social condition of each pregnant woman. Care strategies and proposals should be developed to help these women surmount diet-related obstacles.