About this article
Medically reviewed- Written by
- Dr Paul Watson
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Han Simpson
- Published
- May 26, 2026
- Medical review date
- September 8, 2026
- Evidence searched through
- September 8, 2026
- Next review due
- September 8, 2027
- Intended audience
- General Readers & Patients
- Geographic scope
- Worldwide
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared.
- Funding
- Website Owner
- Report a correction
- Report an error or editorial concern
- Medical disclaimer
- Read the medical disclaimer
Pregnancy causes major hormonal changes that can affect blood sugar control. For some women, blood glucose levels rise higher than normal, leading to gestational diabetes. Understanding normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy can help protect both mother and baby. This is why we have created a normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy chart to help.
This guide explains the normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy chart, how doctors test glucose levels, what numbers are considered high, and how to maintain healthy pregnancy blood sugar levels.
Why Blood Sugar Levels Matter During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta can make the body more resistant to insulin. This means glucose stays in the bloodstream longer.
If blood sugar becomes too high during pregnancy, it may increase the risk of:
- Gestational diabetes
- Large birth weight babies
- Premature birth
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia (more details)
- Cesarean delivery
- Newborn low blood sugar after birth
Monitoring pregnancy glucose levels helps reduce these risks.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy Chart
The following chart shows commonly recommended blood sugar targets during pregnancy for women with gestational diabetes or glucose monitoring needs.
| Test Type | Normal Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Fasting blood sugar | Less than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) |
| 1 hour after eating | Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) |
| 2 hours after eating | Less than 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) |
| HbA1c (if checked) | Usually below 6.0% |
| Random blood sugar | Usually below 140 mg/dL |
These targets may vary slightly depending on your healthcare provider.
Blood Sugar Conversion Chart (mg/dL to mmol/L)
Some countries use mmol/L while others use mg/dL.
| mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|
| 70 | 3.9 |
| 90 | 5.0 |
| 95 | 5.3 |
| 100 | 5.6 |
| 120 | 6.7 |
| 140 | 7.8 |
| 180 | 10.0 |
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition where blood sugar becomes elevated during pregnancy.
It usually develops between weeks 24 and 28 but can occur earlier in higher-risk pregnancies.
Risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Family history of diabetes
- Previous gestational diabetes
- PCOS
- Previous large baby
- Maternal age over 35
- Certain ethnic backgrounds
Many women with gestational diabetes have no obvious symptoms.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Some pregnant women may notice symptoms such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
- Recurrent infections
However, mild elevations often cause no symptoms at all.
How Doctors Test Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)
Many pregnant women undergo a screening glucose drink test between 24 and 28 weeks.
Blood sugar is checked one hour after drinking a glucose solution.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
If screening results are elevated, a longer fasting glucose tolerance test may be performed.
Blood samples are taken:
- Fasting
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
- Sometimes 3 hours afterward
Gestational Diabetes Diagnostic Levels
Doctors may diagnose gestational diabetes if glucose values meet or exceed these thresholds:
| Test Timing | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|
| Fasting | 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) or higher |
| 1 hour | 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) or higher |
| 2 hour | 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) or higher |
| 3 hour | 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or higher |
Different countries and medical organizations may use slightly different criteria.
What Happens if Blood Sugar Is Too High During Pregnancy?
Persistently elevated glucose levels can affect both mother and baby.
Possible complications include:
Large Baby (Macrosomia)
High maternal glucose may cause excessive fetal growth.
Birth Complications
Larger babies increase the risk of:
- Shoulder dystocia
- Difficult delivery
- Emergency C-section
Preeclampsia
High blood sugar is associated with increased pregnancy blood pressure complications.
Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Babies exposed to high glucose in the womb may develop low blood sugar shortly after birth.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Eat Balanced Meals
Focus on:
- Lean proteins
- High-fiber foods
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
Avoid excessive refined sugar and sugary drinks.
Monitor Carbohydrates
Spreading carbohydrates throughout the day may help stabilize glucose levels.
Stay Physically Active
Walking after meals can significantly improve blood sugar control.
Check Blood Sugar Regularly
Some women may need home glucose monitoring several times daily.
Take Medication if Needed
Some pregnancies require:
- Insulin
- Metformin
- Additional monitoring
Always follow medical advice during pregnancy.
Foods That May Help Stabilize Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Helpful foods may include:
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts
- Oats
- Leafy greens
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Beans
- Avocados
Pairing carbohydrates with protein often helps reduce glucose spikes.
Low Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
Blood sugar can occasionally drop too low, especially in women using insulin.
Symptoms may include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
Low blood sugar is usually considered below:
70 mg/dL≈3.9 mmol/L
Fast-acting carbohydrates are commonly used to treat hypoglycemia.
Pregnancy Blood Sugar Monitoring Schedule
Many women with gestational diabetes check glucose:
| Time | Typical Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Morning fasting | Before eating |
| 1 hour after breakfast | After first bite |
| 1 hour after lunch | After first bite |
| 1 hour after dinner | After first bite |
Your doctor may recommend different testing schedules.
When to Contact a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Repeated high blood sugar readings
- Severe vomiting
- Decreased fetal movement
- Signs of preeclampsia
- Blood sugar above recommended targets
- Recurrent low blood sugar episodes
Pregnancy glucose management should always be supervised medically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal fasting blood sugar during pregnancy?
Most guidelines recommend a fasting blood sugar below:
95 mg/dL≈5.3 mmol/L
What blood sugar level is dangerous during pregnancy?
Persistent blood sugar readings above pregnancy targets may increase risks for both mother and baby. Extremely high glucose levels require urgent medical attention.
Can gestational diabetes go away?
In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves after delivery. However, it increases future risk of type 2 diabetes.
How often should blood sugar be checked during pregnancy?
This depends on individual risk and whether gestational diabetes is present. Some women check 4 times daily or more.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy chart can help expectant mothers monitor glucose safely and reduce complications.
Healthy eating, regular monitoring, physical activity, and early medical care play a major role in maintaining stable blood sugar throughout pregnancy.
Most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies with proper management.