Low Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often accompanied by various discomforting conditions, one of them being low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can affect anyone in general, but for a pregnant female, could be a matter of concern. There is a high probability that the baby's health might be affected if such condition prevails during pregnancy mainly resulting in the delivery of a weak and under weight baby.

Causes
The eating habits are the main causes of low blood sugar in pregnancy. Going too long between meals and improper diet schedule can cause the glucose levels to drop down drastically. One has to remember that pregnancy requires a healthy and heavy diet to nourish the growing baby. A healthy baby will be delivered only after it gets right food at the right time. Another reason could be hardcore exercises. Too much of fatigue, stress and hard work is not advisable during pregnancy so the pregnancy exercises should be limited. One of the most common causes of low blood sugar during pregnancy is excessive administration of insulin when suffering from high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia or gestational diabetes. Insulin will break down glucose and starve the body for energy leading to the symptoms of low blood sugar during pregnancy.

Symptoms
Go through the possible symptoms of low blood sugar in pregnancy, first.

• Shaking: The urge for food or hunger, causes a pregnant female to tremble and shake (generally her hands) which is one of the main symptoms of a hypoglycemic reaction.
• Lightheadedness: It often happens that lack of blood supply to brain and heart during pregnancy leads to weakness, dizziness, confusion and thus lightheadedness.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is one of the major symptoms of being pregnant which is mainly due to irritation, hormonal changes, nervousness and possibly due to low blood sugar levels.
• Fatigue: As I mentioned previously, excessive exertion causes a pregnant female to feel very weak and tired since the energy requirement of the body is not fulfilled.
• Insomnia: Insomnia or lack of sleep is another symptom of low blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This condition is often accompanied by excessive sweating and causes high bouts of depression in women.
• Other symptoms: paleness, rapid heartbeat, agitation, lack of concentration, blurred vision, temporary loss of consciousness, and convulsions.

Diagnosis (Glucose Tolerance Test)
Low blood sugar levels isn't a fatal condition if monitored properly. As far as the baby is concerned, a woman suffering from high blood glucose levels would have the baby producing more insulin to control the increased sugar levels. This could significantly lead to low sugar levels in the baby since the body would be accustomed to producing high levels of insulin. A test showing glucose levels during pregnancy can be a sure shot way of monitoring the blood sugar levels. A low blood sugar level chart will help you diagnose the condition as well.

Treatment
Whenever you feel dizzy or lightheaded, just lie down on the floor so that you won't hurt yourself or if you are unable to move, you could just put your head between the knees. It's advisable to lie down on left side since it facilitates more blood supply to the brain and heart. If you are doing some activity say driving, stop immediately. Whenever you feel weak just have a glass of milk or fruit juice or hog on high sugar foods as soon as you can. Eat properly and be full even if you are worried about your shape. You could indulge in chocolate bars as well. Testing the blood glucose levels is a prerequisite since it'll keep you up-to-date and on the edge.

Complications
Low blood sugar in pregnant women is not associated with any complications as such, but if one suffers from diabetes then, utmost care must be taken which would otherwise lead to many complications during the delivery for you as well as your baby. High blood sugar levels can be a huge risk factor in such a case.

If you have low blood sugar levels during pregnancy and are getting those hypoglycemic reactions, then you know what to do. The main aim is to maintain a normal blood sugar range; not too high and not too low.