Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in pregnancy is when blood sugar levels are lower than normal, which can lead to complications of pregnancy. Low blood sugar in pregnancy can cause symptoms like weakness, dizziness, numbness, double vision, or chills.

Talk to your OBGYN or midwife right away if you experience signs or symptoms of low blood sugar in pregnancy. It is important to check the values of circulating blood glucose and determine the risk to both the pregnant person and the fetus.

The usual recommendation during an episode of hypoglycemia is to consume fast-acting carbohydrates in order to rapidly increase blood glucose levels. Eating small, frequent meals every 2-3 hours is important for helping to prevent low blood sugar during pregnancy. People with pre-existing or gestational diabetes should adhere to a treatment plan as outlined by their doctor.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of low blood sugar in pregnancy are:

Dizziness;
Weakness;
Fainting;
Pale skin;
Headache;
Numbness and tingling;
Confusion;
Double vision or blurred vision;
Nausea;
Cold sweats;
Difficulty performing activities of daily living.

There are typically no long term consequences if hypoglycemia is corrected as soon as symptoms are recognized. Complications are more likely to occur when a pregnant person does not follow the plan of care as outlined by their doctor.

In addition to evaluation of symptoms, a doctor or other healthcare provider may order tests to confirm a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. These tests measure the levels of glucose in the blood and may be done fasting or following a meal. In general, hypoglycemia is defined as a fasting blood glucose level of less than 70 mg/dL (4 mmol/L).

Symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, or presyncope should prompt urgent medical attention.

Preventative measures

Management of low blood sugar in pregnancy should be done under a doctor's supervision and consists of eating small, frequent meals every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain adequate levels of glucose in the blood to support maternal bodily function and fetal development.

People with pre-existing diabetes or confirmed gestational diabetes are more likely to experience low blood sugar in pregnant, therefore these populations are advised to adhere to a treatment plan as indicated by their OBGYN.

General recommendations include eating foods with a low glycemic index, such as fruits with the peel on, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats. In addition, it is important to keep all scheduled appointments to make sure glucose levels are returning to normal and there is no harm to the fetus. Ultrasound exams may also be indicated in these situations to evaluate for any fetal complications.