How to Avoid Low Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is common during pregnancy and can be an indicator of gestational diabetes (GD). If you have experienced low blood sugar while pregnant, you are not alone. According to the CDC, GD impacts up to roughly 10% of all expecting mothers in the U.S. and typically occurs during the 24th week of pregnancy.

You may still experience low blood sugar levels while pregnant even if you don’t have GD. It is important to know the cause of your symptoms to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Our experts have gathered the most up-to-date information to help you avoid low blood sugar while pregnant.

What causes low blood sugar in pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of altered glucose metabolism. As gestation progresses, expecting mothers become increasingly susceptible to developing insulin resistance. This progression may coincide with low blood sugar levels. 

However, there are other causes of low blood sugar during pregnancy, including:  

• Not eating enough throughout the day
• Adrenal insufficiency 
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Intense physical activity
• Prolonged fasting 
• Taking medications for diabetes 
• Other types of medications, like aspirin
• Morning sickness

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar overlap with those of other conditions, including, but not limited to, gestational diabetes. Likewise, conditions outside of diabetes may be the root cause of your hypoglycemia. Always monitor your blood sugar levels and be mindful of the following symptoms:

• Headaches 
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Confusion or agitation
• Shaking
• Slurred speech
• Clouded vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Ingredients to avoid low blood sugar during pregnancy

Below is a list of some ingredients that support healthy blood sugar levels. Many of these can be obtained through food, but supplements can be helpful if you need additional support. 

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule found throughout the body and in some foods. Evidence has demonstrated positive outcomes on markers of metabolic health in pregnant women, including blood lipids and insulin sensitivity. 

Myo-inositol

Myo-inositol, sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, is a form of sugar naturally produced in the body and in various foods. Research has shown that myo-inositol can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, improve insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance. 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is a hormone-like vitamin that is essential for both mother and baby. Studies indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation may be more effective than other supplements for improving glucose homeostasis in pregnant mothers with hypoglycemia. 

Magnesium

The same study referenced for vitamin D highlights the benefits of magnesium for blood sugar levels in pregnancy. Magnesium has been shown to help lower elevated insulin levels, which may help stabilize blood sugar if too much insulin is causing your hypoglycemia.

Choline

You can think of choline as a B vitamin that plays a role in regulating glucose-insulin homeostasis, stress hormones, and neurotransmitter production. If your prenatal vitamin does not contain choline, be sure to eat plenty of egg yolks and grab a supplement; it is advised to get at least 450 mg of choline, or about 2 eggs, per day during pregnancy.

Fenugreek

If you have low blood sugar due to inadequate insulin production, fenugreek may be able to help. By stimulating the secretion of insulin, this herbal remedy can help lower blood sugar levels. Always consult your healthcare provider especially if you take insulin or other medication for blood sugar management.

Supplements to help manage blood sugar levels

Beyond dietary changes, some dietary supplements are safe for pregnancy. If you need help choosing, here is a list of some brand and product suggestions available from PSC: 

Numedica Alpha CU

Numedica Alpha CU offers a slow-release formula with added minerals zinc, vanadium, and chromium, plus a B-vitamin, biotin, which are all critical for healthy glucose metabolism. 

DaVinci Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid 300Mg 

DaVinci Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid 300Mg is another option with no additional nutrients, it is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-safe.

Protocol For Life Balance Myo-Inositol Powder

Protocol For Life Balance Myo-Inositol Powder offers pure formulation manufactured to GMP compliance and is free of GMOs, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.

Thorne Research Vitamin D Liquid

Thorne Research Vitamin D Liquid contains 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per 2-drop serving size, offering an incredible value at 600 servings per container. The liquid formula is easy to titrate, making it an ideal choice for the whole family.

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate is a tried-and-true favorite when it comes to magnesium supplements. This hypoallergenic formula provides 120 mg of magnesium glycinate in every capsule and is free of GMOs and gluten.

Jarrow Citicholine CDP Choline

Jarrow Citicholine CDP Choline contains 250 mg of highly absorbable choline per single-capsule serving size. This formula is free of common allergens including wheat, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, dairy, and GMOs.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek

Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek provides 1500 mg per 3-capsule serving size. This organic formula is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free.

Always consult your practitioner before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you are already taking medication to help manage your blood sugar levels. 

Conclusion

Monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly is one way to avoid low blood sugar while pregnant. Always carry snacks with you and eat balanced meals that incorporate protein, fat, and fiber so your body will slowly digest and absorb sugar from the meal and sustain you longer. 

FAQ 

How does hypoglycemia affect the baby in pregnancy?

If hypoglycemia is a result of unmanaged gestational diabetes, the consequences can be detrimental. According to the ADA, babies born to mothers with unmanaged GD are at a higher risk of being born with macrosomia, breathing problems, and obesity.

What is considered low blood sugar while pregnant?

According to the CDC, blood sugar levels at <70 mg/dL are considered low, while <55 mg/dL is considered severely low. Severely low blood sugar levels can cause significant impairments in cognition, cause loss of consciousness, or coma. 

What is a normal range for blood sugar levels during pregnancy?

The ADA guidelines suggest target blood sugar ranges for pregnant women to be as follows: 

Before a meal: <95 mg/dL 

One hour after a meal: <140 mg/dL 

Two hours after a meal: <120 mg/dL

Carbohydrates (carbs), including common ones such as grains and fruits, are broken down into glucose, or blood sugar, during digestion, which raises blood sugar levels. Studies have found that fruit juice consumption, specifically, is associated with an increase in diabetes risk due to the amount of sugar (fructose) in each drink. These sugars can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, increasing high blood sugar levels. So fruit juice is generally to be avoided by people with a risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, if you’re experiencing low blood sugar and need a boost, 4 ounces of low-calorie or reduced-sugar fruit juice such as apple juice, grape juice, or cranberry juice can help raise blood sugar levels temporarily.
What is a normal blood sugar level immediately after eating? Learn more at the link provided.