Pregnancy brings about many changes in the body, and for some individuals, this can include shifts in blood sugar levels. While often discussed in the context of high blood sugar, known as gestational diabetes, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also occur during pregnancy. Hypoglycemia describes a condition where the level of glucose, the body’s primary energy source, drops below a healthy range, typically defined as under 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for those with diabetes or 55 mg/dL for those without. Understanding these fluctuations is important for expectant parents.
Why Blood Sugar Can Drop During Pregnancy
The physiological demands of pregnancy significantly influence how the body manages glucose. The developing fetus continuously draws glucose from the maternal bloodstream to fuel its rapid growth. This siphoning of glucose can lower the mother’s blood sugar levels, especially with irregular food intake.
Hormonal shifts, especially in early pregnancy, also play a role in glucose regulation. In the first trimester, many pregnant individuals experience increased insulin sensitivity, making cells more efficient at absorbing glucose, which can significantly reduce circulating blood sugar.
Nausea and vomiting, common during the first trimester, can further contribute to low blood sugar. When individuals struggle to eat regularly or consume sufficient carbohydrates due to morning sickness, glucose reserves can become depleted. Skipping meals or prolonged periods without food also lead to drops in blood sugar.
The maternal body undergoes increased energy expenditure to support the pregnancy, utilizing more glucose for its own metabolic processes. While gestational diabetes involves insulin resistance, hypoglycemia in pregnancy stems from increased glucose utilization, heightened insulin sensitivity, or an imbalance between glucose intake and the body’s increased demands.
Recognizing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of low blood sugar allows for timely intervention. Common symptoms include shakiness or trembling, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Individuals might also experience sweating, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or irritability and mood changes.
Other indicators of hypoglycemia can manifest as a headache, extreme hunger, or a rapid heartbeat and palpitations. Fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, or a tingling sensation around the mouth or lips may also occur. These symptoms can be mistaken for general pregnancy discomforts, so careful observation is beneficial.
Managing Hypoglycemia Safely
When experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate low blood sugar, immediate action is needed. The “rule of 15” is a common guideline: consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. After 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar levels, and if they remain below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process.
Examples of fast-acting carbohydrates providing approximately 15 grams include half a cup (4 ounces) of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet). One tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup, or three to four glucose tablets, effectively raise blood sugar. Glucose gels are another convenient option.
Preventative strategies help maintain stable blood sugar throughout pregnancy. Eating small, frequent meals every three to four hours help prevent significant drops. Also, avoid long periods without food and include a balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in meals.
Keeping readily available snacks, particularly before bed or when away from home, provide a quick source of glucose. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports metabolic balance. While moderate physical activity is encouraged, adjust food intake accordingly, as intense or prolonged exercise can lower blood sugar levels.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact a healthcare provider regarding hypoglycemia during pregnancy in certain situations. If symptoms do not improve after following the “rule of 15” multiple times, seek medical advice. Frequent or recurring episodes of low blood sugar also warrant discussion with a doctor.
Severe symptoms, such as disorientation, slurred speech, an inability to self-treat, loss of consciousness, or seizures, require immediate medical attention. For individuals with pre-existing diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, difficulty managing blood sugar levels or needing medication adjustments necessitates professional guidance. Any concerns about blood sugar levels or general well-being during pregnancy should prompt open communication with the healthcare team.