Hypoglycemia

[mrskx0x0]

I've had quite a few of these spells over the last few days. Yesterday's were severe enough that I wouldn't have been able to drive so I'm thinking that I should get it checked out (although I'm sure I will be told I'm fine and it's 'common' or whatever). First question is should I see the doctor or the midwife? And secondly if anyone else suffers, what foods would you recommend to have on hand that travel or you can get hold of in boots etc if you get caught short. I have fruit pastiles in my bag for emergencies but need some low GI snacks.

 

[holdthemayo]

Are you sure you're low? I've had these episodes since 14 weeks, and tbh they haven't let up yet (I'm 31 weeks). I eat immediately when I'm hungry to avoid them. I need to eat every 2hours basically. Protein, complex carbs, fiber are supposed to help. Avoid sugars unless you're having an acute attack.

I would check with your doc, but mine claims it's not abnormal. My blood sugar dropped to 2.9 during the 2 hour glucose tolerance test. I'm really hoping it's just pregnancy induced and that it'll go away after birth. Hang in there. I know it sucks.

 

[holdthemayo]

I use protein bars when I'm out in public.

 

[mrskx0x0]

Yeah I'm pretty sure I will get told it's normal. I don't really see how it can be when it interferes with my daily functioning but once I get a handle on now to keep it level I will probably be fine. My Next midwife appointment isn't for 7 weeks and my GTT isn't for 11 weeks

 

[moter98]

This has happened in each of my pregnancies. As soon as I start to feel it I eat either early or I get a quick dose of sugar, like quickly drink 4 oz of pop or juice or have a snack size piece of chocolate. Other carbs like half a protein bar work as well. For me, I know it's just a part of pregnancy and make sure to always have straight sugar with me for the times when it comes on really fast, or a protein bar for the times when it comes on slow and I know I'll have more time and won't need a dose of straight sugar. If you are concerned, mention to your Dr. Better safe than sorry.

 

[ParisJeTadore]

Personally, what works the fastest for me is a glass of juice. I swear by it when I'm crashing really bad. If you're on the go I suggest carrying a couple juice boxes with you.

 

[MrsPear]

You should have something like a glass of juice or half a can of coke or a handful of sweets to stop it. But really i think the key is complex carbs at every meal and trying not to go too long without food. Just treating the symptoms with a snack is going to cause peaks and troughs and you'll feel it over and over again.

 

[RcdM]

I swear I have this but no doctor will ever diagnose me with it. They all just tell me to make sure I have something to eat. I've had it all my life and it's gotten so much worse during pregnancy. I have to eat every 2 hours as well. I've fainted a few times before (not during this pregnancy) and it's super scary. Sometimes I can't even take a shower first thing in the morning without starting to feel lightheaded because I haven't eaten yet.

I have a peanut butter Clif bar that I carry in my purse at all times, and I always carry water with me wherever I go. It's annoying but if I'm proactive enough I don't have issues. It's when I can't plan for the timing of things that I sometimes have emergencies. I also try to avoid bread because your body processes that like sugar and burns it way too fast. If I have the option I'll try to get something with meat and good fats, like turkey and avocado and an apple or something. But for portable and long lasting stuff in the purse, it's usually a peanut butter protein type bar.

 

[Jaycrew]

I personally get it suddenly and it has only happened during pregnancy. This pregnancy its happening more often. I eat and munch on small snacks as well as keep hydrated , but last time it happened it came on before i knew it. Complete with shakiness, irritability, hot flashes, light-headedness and nausea. Its the worst feeling. I keep a bag of blow pops at my desk for when i feel it starting and peanut butter and jelly as well as bread to avoid it. So I may have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in between breakfast and lunch time and again after lunch and clocking out time (before I go home). This has been helping me tremendously.

 

[Vic31]

Have you got a Glucometer to check that your blood sugars actually are low?

 

[odouglass]

I have a history of hypoglycemia and mentioned it to my doctor. I also had these spells for a few weeks and it scared me-- I try to keep something like crackers or chips with me at all times. However, I am 21 weeks and really not having many of the spells anymore. When I called my doctor, they did labs and it was all fine.