Around 3,750,000 births happen in the U.S. each year, and 375,000 babies are born preterm. That's one of the consequences of gestational diabetes (GD), which affects between 2% to 10% of all pregnancies.

Premature birth is especially likely if you're diagnosed with GD before week 24. Then you are 10 times more likely to deliver early than if GD develops later in your pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes' other health risks to you and your fetus during pregnancy include preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy along with damage to organ systems) in the mother as well as C-section. For the fetus, being overweight at delivery can result in a difficult birth and even death.

After a birth with gestational diabetes, the mother is at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases, and cancer. The child is at risk for obesity, insulin resistance, and neurocognitive development problems.

That's why research published in the journal Clinical Nutrition is such good news. It shows that counting carbohydrates and following a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan may lower insulin resistance as well as insulin and glucose levels while pregnant.

In addition, the carbs you eat should be complex and fiber-rich (eliminate white breads, grains, and potatoes, including fries).

According to another study published in the journal Nutrients, you should limit carbohydrates to 35% to 45% of your total calories, with a minimum of 175 grams of quality carbs a day (that’s about 700 calories) consumed in three small meals and two to four snacks.