Understanding Blood Sugar Levels for Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement and anticipation. Knowing your food intake, your nutrition levels, and other body changes, including fluctuations in blood sugar levels, is crucial for the health and well-being of the mother and the baby during this journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about blood sugar levels during pregnancy. We will be looking into optimal blood sugar levels, why they matter, how they are monitored, and essential tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy. 

Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, is very common among Indian women, and studies have reported that 10–20% of pregnant women in India have diabetes.

Why Do Blood Sugar Levels Matter During Pregnancy?

The body experiences major hormonal changes during pregnancy, such as an increase in the synthesis of progesterone and oestrogen, which can have an impact on insulin sensitivity. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels may rise in response to a loss in insulin sensitivity, which can result in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or diabetes during pregnancy.

Diabetes during pregnancy can have adverse impacts on the mother and the unborn child. It raises the risk of several problems, including macrosomia (a huge birth weight), caesarean delivery, and high blood pressure. The health of the unborn child can also be impacted by uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which raise the possibility of birth abnormalities, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hence, maintaining a normal blood sugar level during pregnancy is of the utmost importance.

What are the Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Pregnant Women?

Keeping blood sugar levels within the normal range is a must for a healthy pregnancy. The normal blood sugar levels for pregnancy must be maintained between 60 - 120 mg/dl. Otherwise, it results in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

• Symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) levels for pregnant women: The symptoms of low blood sugar levels for pregnant women are dizziness, hunger, feeling shaky, feeling anxious or irritable, feeling tired, headaches, numbness, or tingling around the mouth, to name a few.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) levels for pregnant women: The symptoms of high blood sugar levels for pregnant women are extreme thirst, drowsiness, urinating often, and dry skin, to name a few.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels for Pregnancy

Early detection of diabetes is essential for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This is generally tested between 24 - 28 weeks during the pregnancy to rule out diabetes. 

To determine blood sugar levels, the screening test often entails the patient fasting overnight and not drinking anything other than water before the test. Fasting blood and urine are collected in the first stage. Later, oral glucose is given to the patient, and then blood is drawn and checked for sugar levels again. The ideal blood sugar levels for fasting are <95 mg/dl and 120–140 mg/dl after oral glucose has been administered. 

Managing Blood Sugar Levels for Pregnancy

Managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy often involves a combination of dietary changes, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication or insulin therapy. Here are some generic tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy; however, we strongly recommend consulting your gynaecologist or endocrinologist before adopting any of the below methods and creating a personalized plan for your individual needs:

• Follow a balanced diet: Maintain a balanced diet by prioritizing the consumption of a range of foods high in nutrients, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Refined carbs and high sugar-content foods should be avoided since they can raise blood sugar levels. 
• Monitor carbohydrate intake: Since carbs have the most effect on blood sugar levels, it's critical to keep an eye on your intake and spread it out evenly throughout the day. Choose complex carbs like whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy veggies that have a low glycemic index.
• Stay active: Regular exercise may help control blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga.
• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly: Create a plan for tracking blood sugar levels with your doctor. Your treatment strategy will be guided by this information, which will also help keep your blood sugar levels within a safe range.
• Take the prescribed medication as directed: Depending on the patient's sugar levels, the doctor may also prescribe medication or insulin therapy. You must take these medications as directed and keep up with regular follow-up doctor appointments to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Maintaining good blood sugar levels during pregnancy is critical to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women should take proactive actions to promote a safe pregnancy by knowing why blood sugar levels are important, how they are measured, and key management recommendations. Remember to check with your doctor to create a personalized strategy that addresses your specific requirements and encourages optimum blood sugar management throughout your pregnancy.