Here are the food groups that pregnant women should prioritize when they have hypoglycemia or are at risk of this condition.
Foods containing fast-absorbed carbohydrates
According to the recommendation of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if pregnant women show signs of hypoglycemia, they should immediately consume 15-20g of simple carbohydrates to quickly increase blood sugar. Some safe and effective options include:
1 glass of pure fruit juice (120 ml) - orange juice is a popular choice because it contains about 15g of natural sugar and provides additional vitamin C.
1 tablespoon honey or 3 - 4 glucose candy tablets - quickly absorbed into the blood, easy to carry on the body.
1 slice of white billiards or 1 ripe banana - both quickly raises blood sugar and is safe for pregnancy.
After 15 minutes, if there are no signs of improvement, repeat a simple 15g carbs.
Foods that combine complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats
After treating acute hypoglycemia, pregnant women should eat a snack to maintain stable blood glucose. Dishes that combine complex carbs with protein help stabilize blood sugar sustainably:
Whole wheat bread + cheese or peanut butter
Oatmeal cooked with milk and fresh fruit
Brown rice with boiled eggs or shredded chicken
These foods provide long-lasting energy, support nerve function and stabilize metabolism for pregnant mothers.
Fresh fruits have a low to medium glycemic index
Fruit not only adds vitamins and fiber but also helps maintain stable blood sugar if chosen properly.
Fruits such as apples, pears, blueberries, plums, kiwis have a glycemic index of 30-55, suitable to eat between main meals.
Eat a small serving (100-150g) at a time, which can be combined with unsweetened yogurt or nuts to increase glucose uptake time.
unsweetened nuts and nut milk
Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds or flax seeds provide good fats, protein and fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar in the long term.
Supplementing about 30g of nuts per day helps reduce the risk of blood sugar fluctuations during pregnancy.
unsweetened nut milk (such as almond milk, soy milk) is also a rich source of nutrients for pregnant women, and helps prevent nighttime hypoglycemia.
