If you have high blood sugar or are diabetic, it is important to keep your blood sugar under control for health purposes, especially when you are pregnant. Some women develop high blood sugar while pregnant despite having no history of the condition, and this typically resolves once the baby is delivered. Your health and the health of your baby is affected by changes in your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep it within a normal and healthy range.
Blood Sugar Ranges in Pregnancy
According to The Ohio State University Medical Center, the blood sugar of pregnant women should be between 60 and 120. When you first get up in the morning, it should range between 60 and 95; before meals your sugar should be 60 to 100; and two hours after you finish eating, your sugars should be between 60 and 120. Any reading over 120 is considered high in pregnancy, says The Ohio State University. Low blood sugar can occur if you take insulin and skip a snack, or exercise more than usual. This can be remedied by drinking milk or juice, crackers with peanut butter, or pieces of candy. Pregnant women with high blood sugar may have hyperglycemia, and may develop gestational diabetes.
Causes for High Blood Sugar in Pregnancy
Your blood sugar can fluctuate during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Your body needs more insulin when you are pregnant, especially during the last three months. Typically, gestational diabetes does not occur until after the 20th week of pregnancy, says MayoClinic.com. Other reasons include hormonal changes, overeating, eating high sugar, high carbohydrate foods, stress, infection, not taking enough insulin and not exercising. Sometimes, no reason can be found.
Effects of Blood Sugar on Pregnancy
Keeping your blood sugar controlled during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and baby. According to MayoClinic.com, controlling your blood sugar while pregnant can reduce the risk of preterm birth, miscarriage and birth defects; it can prevent excess growth of the fetus, which can increase the likelihood the baby will get injured during delivery; and can decrease the likelihood of complications. Such complications include pre-eclampsia, which is dangerously high blood pressure in pregnancy; jaundice of the baby; and low magnesium and calcium levels in the baby.
Controlling Blood Sugars While Pregnant
To control your blood sugar while pregnant, it is important that you monitor it regularly and see your doctor for regular prenatal visits. MayoClinic.com recommends checking your sugar levels up to seven times a day to ensure it is in a healthy range. Take insulin or other medications as necessary, and do not skip a dose. Follow a healthy eating plan and talk with your doctor about any changes you may need to make to accommodate your pregnancy. Try to get regular physical exercise, even if it is just walking, if your obstetrician says it is safe for you to do so. This can further help you control your blood sugar.
