How to Manage Hypoglycemia During Pregnancy

One of the more common ailments experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes. A common side effect of gestational diabetes is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, which is another term for low glucose in the blood stream, can cause a wide array of symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, hunger and headaches. If managed properly, hypoglycemia poses little risk to pregnant women and their unborn child. However, if untreated, hypogylcemia can cause a pregnant woman to pass out. Read on to learn more about how to manage hypoglycemia during pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Fast-acting carbohydrate snacks or liquids Urine tests Glucagon kit

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Instructions

How to Manage Hypoglycemia During Pregnancy

• 1

  Know the early symptoms of hypoglycemia and pay attention when you feel an attack coming on. The faster you tune into your symptoms, the quicker you can give your body what it needs to end the attack.

• 2

  Be prepared. Pregnant sufferers of hypoglycemia need to make sure they are not caught off-guard by an attack. Keep urine tests and fast-acting carbohydrate snacks (honey, cake frosting, hard candy, etc.) handy at all times. Also, keep a glucagon kit handy just in case you miss the early symptoms and need to treat severe hypoglycemia.

• 3

  Exercise wisely. Exercise can actually contribute to hypoglycemia in pregnancy, especially when performed at the wrong time. Clear any exercise program with a health care provider first, and always wait at least one hour after eating before engaging in any physical activity. Test regularly during exercise, to make sure your insulin levels aren't dropping too low.

• 4

  Prevention is key. Try to prevent an attack before it occurs by eating six to eight small meals and snacks a day, regularly monitoring your blood sugar and exercising wisely.

• 5

  Make sure your insulin dosage is correct. Too much insulin can lead to recurrent bouts of hypoglycemia, so speak with a doctor about your medication levels.