Blood Sugar Levels in Pregnancy: What’s Normal?

Normal Blood Sugar Level During Pregnancy

Managing blood sugar in pregnancy is one of the most essential prenatal care practices a woman must follow. If a pregnant woman fails to maintain a normal blood sugar level, she may develop gestational diabetes.

Though curable, it may affect the child and the mother in future. Knowing the normal blood sugar level in pregnancy is necessary to manage and stay healthy, protecting your child and yourself from future complications.

Read ahead to understand more about the blood sugar levels in pregnancy.

What is the Normal Blood Sugar Level During Pregnancy?

The following chart represents the normal pregnancy blood sugar range:

The above table shows normal pregnancy glucose levels. The target blood sugar level may vary from one person to another, depending on factors such as medical history and the doctor's advice.

If a pregnant woman has a history of diabetes, her target level to control blood sugar will be different from that of a woman without any diabetes history. Therefore, you should consult your doctor and maintain the recommended blood sugar level during pregnancy.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

A high blood sugar level in pregnant women is termed gestational diabetes. Even if a woman has no history of diabetes, she may develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This type of diabetes usually gets cured after giving birth, but it may affect your baby's health and increase your chances of getting type 2 diabetes in future.

There are two 2 of gestational diabetes: Class A1 and Class A2. Individuals with type 1 diabetes can manage the condition by adopting a proper diet and exercise regimen. However, individuals with type 2 diabetes need medications and insulin.

How to Diagnose Gestational Diabetes or Blood Sugar in Pregnancy?

Your doctor will conduct a blood test during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. The test helps identify individuals at higher risk. Individuals who cannot pass the screening must undergo the following comprehensive blood tests:

1. Glucose Challenge Test

This test is also known as the one-hour glucose tolerance or glucose screening test. In this process, the pregnant woman drinks a sweet liquid, and after one hour, the doctor will collect a blood sample from her arm. The doctor will recommend a glucose tolerance test in case of high blood sugar levels.

2. Glucose Tolerance Test

It is also known as a two-hour or three-hour glucose test. Doctors recommend this test if you get an irregular result for the glucose challenge test. Pregnant women getting a glucose tolerance test must fast for eight hours before the test. In this process, the health provider will collect your blood at intervals of one, two, or three hours after you intake sweet fluid.

How to Prepare for Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes?

If you have diabetes and are considering pregnancy, it's essential to plan and work closely with your healthcare provider. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for pregnancy with blood sugar:

• Consider Preconception Care: It is essential for reducing risks to both you and your baby. Before trying to conceive, schedule a thorough medical checkup to optimize your health. Your blood glucose targets may need adjustment during this time, so discuss these goals with your doctor.
• Maintain a Prescribed Diet: A registered dietitian can be a valuable resource, helping you understand what, how much, and when to eat to maintain good blood glucose control and achieve or maintain a healthy weight. Check with your insurance to see if dietitian services are covered.
• Take Medications: Managing bloodsugar while pregnant is crucial. Your healthcare provider might also change your medications to ones safer for use during pregnancy.
• Incorporate Physical Activities: Regular physical activity is highly recommended in addition to medical management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, each week to support your health and blood sugar control.

If you and your partner have difficulty conceiving, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Diabetes can sometimes cause complications such as erectile dysfunction or infertility, so addressing these issues early can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and outcome. Planning and support make a significant difference.

How to Manage Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman can use RPM (remote patient monitoring) to manage blood sugar in pregnancy and optimise prenatal care. It helps pregnant women to monitor their blood sugar continuously without visiting the health centre.

RPM is advantageous for women with high-risk pregnancies brought on by comorbid conditions like gestational diabetes, because it allows them to track their blood sugar levels and react instantly to any changes.

A chart for normal pregnancy glucose levels is necessary, especially for women using remote patient monitoring (RPM). This chart outlines healthy blood glucose ranges at different times, such as fasting and after meals. Pregnant women can spot trends by tracking their levels with the chart and work with healthcare providers to adjust their care plan.

For those with gestational diabetes, the chart helps identify whether glucose is too high or too low after eating. It also helps guide changes in diet, like increasing healthy carbs or cutting added sugars, to better manage blood sugar and support a healthy pregnancy.

What are the Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy?

Other than using RPM and a normal blood sugar level chart, pregnant women must follow a balanced diet and regular physical activity to manage gestational diabetes. Here’s what you can do:

● Maintain a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet for pregnant women must include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy carbohydrates. They must also limit the quantity of saturated fats and added sugars in their diet to reduce the risks of gestational diabetes.

● Incorporate Physical Activity

Pregnant women should opt for moderate-intensity exercise to reduce blood sugar levels and improve their sensitivity to insulin. If you have gestational diabetes, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workout is necessary on a daily basis. However, before initiating any new exercise, you must always consult with your healthcare provider.

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels increase during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second half of pregnancy and often goes unnoticed. Individuals with such conditions must focus on monitoring blood sugar, healthy eating, and physical activity.