What is a healthy blood sugar level while pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, cravings and bewilderment. Whether it’s being pestered for baby names by your in-laws or feeling like an overstuffed turkey at Thanksgiving dinner 24/7, there are many changes to adapt to. Amongst all these transitions though, lies one thing that will genuinely make you feel on edge – figuring out healthy blood sugar levels while pregnant. Get ready to learn some sweet as honey words because we’re going to break this down so that even uncle Joe will get it.

What is blood sugar?

Before starting with anything else, let’s explain what blood sugar is in layman’s terms (Hint: It’s not candy bars). Blood sugar refers to glucose found floating around our bloodstream after consumption of carbohydrates from our meals. This glucose provides us energy for daily functions such as walking or talking (or fighting off those extra probing questions about how swollen your ankles have gotten).

Normal blood sugar ranges pre-pregnancy

Wait! First things first – know thyself. Before diving into the unknown waters of pregnancy, figure out what was normal and well-functioning for you before becoming pregnant. Pre-pregnancy levels vary person-to-person but generally speaking under normal conditions should range anywhere between 70-99 mg/dL when fasting; if non-fasting then ideal would be below 140 mg/dL.

Effect of hormones on pregnancy-related fluctuations

Ah yes…hormones! You thought they mess only with your mood swings? Think again! Hormonal shifts play a crucial role in regulating glucose control while carrying life inside you. Specifically speaking two hormones named estrogen and progesterone work tirelessly throughout the day and night trying their best “not” to overstep each other but more importantly keeping mother nature happy while doing so.

Gestational diabetes is a possibility

When hormonal shifts decide to do their own thing, it’s during these times women become more prone to gestational diabetes. This means your body isn’t responding as well as usual to insulin and can cause abnormal levels of blood sugar which in turn could be harmful for development of baby. Women who have higher risk factors like being overweight, previous history of heart disease or are over the age of 35 will need routine glucose testing throughout pregnancy.

Symptoms during abnormal blood sugar spikes

It doesn’t take long for our bodies to start signaling danger when our hormones go haywire – here are a few things that you might experience:

  • Hunger pangs too often
  • Felt unusually thirsty
  • Experiencing frequent urination
  • Losing weight despite eating enough (woo hoo … losing extra pounds!)
  • Fatigue (well now we know why Aunt Karen keeps nodding off while noon conversations)

Pro Tip: Get yourself checked regularly if symptoms persist and don’t end up on Dr. Google’s page

Complications without controlling glucose levels

Apart from feeling generally unwell, there are numerous implications along with continuously elevated glucose levels such as problems with vision, sepsis infections, nerve damage or even miscarriage (Yikes … no one wants any complication please!). In addition to this keeping an eye on what you eat while also ensuring hydration is key.

How frequently should I check my blood sugar level?

While pregnancy brings upon many more appointments than we’d like there’ll be some additional ones specifically looking at sugar control. The frequency recommended depends again according person-to-person but typically looking something around twice daily (once before breakfast and then two hours after another meal).

Hmmm sounds scientific, so let me break it down, check first prior having breakfast i.e fasted state; second check post lunch maybe? Smoothie treat perhaps … yup that’s good enough. But, most importantly follow your doctor’s advice on this one.

What should I eat to balance my blood sugar while pregnant?

Here are some interesting yet golden (get it?) rules to keep in mind when considering food options for keeping blood glucose levels in check:

  • Eat more complex carbohydrates (yay, goodbye junk food) for gradual release of glucose (no flash and burn here).
  • Include a decent amount of fiber (goodbye processed foods), vegetables, and fruits into your diets.
  • Snacks can be life changing! Make them healthy with a balanced mix of proteins and carbs like carrots dipped in hummus or apple slices smeared with almond butter.
    • It never said they couldn’t taste good; I’m not going to suffer celery sticks people come on now.

Table: Examples of Meals that Balance Blood Sugar

Meal Notes
Quinoa bowl Yum … protein powerhouses that will also stabilize cravings!
Greek yoghurt parfait Berries yes please … greek yogurt? Even better because more protein
Mexican salsa black bean salad Spicy home run toxin cleansing beans which don’t spike glucose – Count me IN!

Physical activity promotes healthier outcomes

Not only does staying active help build muscle strength you’ll need later during labor but being physically active ensures better control over your sugar intake as well. Walking or swimming could do the trick if leisurely strolls down the park aren’t exactly what excites you. You’re carrying something precious inside yourself so make sure every step counts!

Conclusion

Sweet-tooths rejoice ! While certain amounts of ice cream have been rumored to conjure up all kinds issues like be it diabetes (GASP!), pregnancy-induced hypertension etc., maintaining controlled blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy is important primarily for your little one, but secondarily to keep you healthy and happy as well. So go on indulge in those dreamy fruit bowls (hold the Cream!) and remember to ask questions when it comes down to what is important – you !!!

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