The Effects of Low Blood Sugar to the Baby During Pregnancy

Since pregnancy affects the method in which the body processes sugar, pregnant women commonly suffer from low blood sugar episodes if they wait too long to eat between meals, eat too little or exercise too strenuously. While primarily inconvenient for the pregnant mother, many women wonder about the effects of these episodes on their unborn babies.

Identification

Women experiencing low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, during pregnancy often suffer dizziness, shakiness, exhaustion, headaches and fainting.

Effects

Brief, short-term episodes of hypoglycemia generally pose no risks to pregnant women or their babies. If a woman experiences frequent drops in blood sugar or ones that go untreated over extended periods of time, in rare cases they may lead to seizures, strokes and comas; conditions that have serious repercussions for the woman and her baby.

Considerations

Diabetic women tend to be susceptible to hypoglycemia, especially if they administer too much insulin. While this is generally a mild condition, it is important to consult with your doctor for treatment advice.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience frequent episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness or dizziness accompanied by severe headaches, speech impairment, tingling, bleeding, palpitations or any loss of unconsciousness, contact your health care provider.

Prevention/Solution

BabyCenter's Medical Advisory board recommends pregnant women prevent low blood sugar episodes by eating frequent meals and snacks.

References

• BabyCenter: Dizziness and Fainting
• Parents: Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
• March of Dimes: Managing Preexisting Diabetes During Pregnancy