Needing to increase blood sugar levels during pregnancy may sound strange. However, for women with diabetes or gestational diabetes, the threat of dropping blood sugar levels is very real and can have negative consequences for the unborn baby. If your blood sugar level drops during pregnancy, several foods can help bring it back to within normal limits.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
When a woman is diabetic and becomes pregnant, or when she is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, she is advised to keep her blood sugar levels under control for both her health and the health of her unborn child. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, or NDIC, the target blood sugar range for pregnant women is between 80 and 110 mg/dl, and less than 155 after a meal. However, lower is not necessarily better. When a pregnant woman's blood sugar levels drop below 60, she is in a state called hypoglycemia, notes the Eastern Virginia Medical School, or EVMS. In fact, EVMS reports that blood sugar levels do not even have to drop this significantly for her to have symptoms: They can occur even when her sugars range in the 100s.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Some symptoms of hypoglycemia include feeling weak or faint, shaking, confusion and irritability. NDIC adds that, if left untreated, hypoglycemia can even cause a pregnant woman to faint. Some of the common causes of hypoglycemia during pregnancy include skipping meals or not eating frequently enough, exercising without eating to compensate, and using too much insulin. When this happens, women need to act quickly to bring blood sugar back to normal ranges.
Foods to Raise Blood Sugar
NDIC suggests that pregnant women in a state of hypoglycemia eat or drink something containing carbohydrates. Some examples include fruit juices, hard candies or bread. EVMS recommends around ¾ cup of apple juice if blood sugar measures less than 50. If blood sugar is between 50 and 70, a small snack is OK. Glucose should be checked again after about 15 minutes has passed. If the level has not increased by 20, EVMS recommends repeating the process.
Foods to Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
To prevent blood sugar from dropping too low during pregnancy, MayoClinic.com recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals and adding snacks as needed. It recommends healthy carbohydrate choices, such as those with fiber, that keep blood sugar levels steady over long periods of time. Some safe choices include whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and dairy products.
Warning: Going Too Far
When the blood sugar level drops, attempts to raise it quickly can easily send it too far in the other direction. However, extreme fluctuations are not good for mom or the developing baby. When trying to raise blood sugar levels, avoid foods high in fat, as they may increase blood sugar levels too rapidly. These include fried foods like doughnuts or potato chips.
