Food cravings are common during pregnancy, and sugar cravings constitute a big part of them. Can eating too much sugar during pregnancy harm the baby? In this post, we tell you all about consuming sugar during pregnancy. Irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not, you should always keep your sugar intake in check to avoid complications. So, read on to know how much sugar you can have during pregnancy and learn about the possible side effects of eating excess sugar.
Can You Eat Sugar While Pregnant?
You can eat sugar and sugary foods as long as it is not in large quantities. But if you have gestational diabetes, you should be extra careful about your sugar intake. Also, note that there is more refined sugar in candies, cookies, cakes, and soft drinks that provide zero nutrition. If you are having them often, then you need to replace them with healthier options such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that have natural sugars.
How Much Sugar Can You Safely Consume During Pregnancy?
There are no standard recommendations for sugar consumption during pregnancy. The ideal sugar intake for you depends on your metabolic rate, blood sugar levels, and weight. In any case, it is good to limit the consumption of sugar to 25 grams or less in a day (1). Dr. Kimberly Langdon, MD, ob/gyn and CEO of Physician Integrative Laboratories, says, “Pregnancy is a state of insulin resistance due to the release of several pregnancy hormones. This means that the cells are less sensitive to the metabolic effects of insulin, causing slight elevations in blood sugar. Therefore, in pregnancy, target blood glucose levels should be less than 95mg/dL for fasting blood sugar and 140 and 120mg/dL one and two hours after meals, respectively.”
Can Eating Too Much Sugar In Pregnancy Harm The Baby?
Overeating sugary foods or carbohydrates may have an impact on the growing baby. Also, excess sugar in the blood due to gestational diabetes or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can harm the baby. Extra sugar can cross the placenta and increase the fetus’ blood sugar levels. This may result in increased insulin production in the baby’s body and make the baby grow larger, a condition referred to as macrosomia. Delivering a large baby can lead to complications such as the need for a cesarean section. It can also be associated with premature birth (2). Dr. Langdon observes, “Macrosomia exposes the baby to complications during childbirth, such as birth injuries, infection, and fatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).”
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Excess Sugar Consumption?
Excess sugar adds empty calories and deprives nutrition that you need during pregnancy. Dr. Langdon adds, “If a pregnant woman’s glycemic control is inadequate, she may develop gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Uncontrolled blood sugar in pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes. In the presence of gestational diabetes, oral health problems can worsen or take longer to heal.”
Tips To Reduce Sugar Consumption During Pregnancy
To limit sugar intake: Or, you can just replace white sugar and artificial sweeteners with healthier alternatives.
Healthy Foods That Lower Blood Sugar In Pregnant Women
Improved diet and exercise can help lower blood sugar levels naturally. Healthy foods you should include in the diet are: Still got questions about eating sugar in pregnancy?
