There is no moment more magical in a woman’s life than when she sees her baby for the first time. It is the highest point of a journey that lasted several weeks, filled with doubts, anxiety, and anticipation for this moment to arrive. However, as wonderful as this moment is, there are times—such as problems with the baby’s blood glucose after birth—that can make you worried and raise new questions1. But although this is bad news, the truth is that this kind of problem can be resolved and managed. Of course, the baby will require certain medical care and special attention from you as well. That’s exactly why today we will talk about the main issues related to a baby’s blood glucose after birth and how a mother can best handle them.

The Discovery of Changes in Baby’s Blood Glucose

carefully listen to what your doctor has to say and, most of all, stay calm. When a mother notices her child is unwell, she may panic and want to find an immediate solution. However, recovery is not always quick or easy, meaning it will also require a lot of effort from the mother. Therefore, the first steps when a problem like this is found in your baby are: Stay calm and follow your doctor’s instructions closely so that the condition can be controlled and, later, cured.

Hypoglycemia in Babies

Hypoglycemia2 in babies occurs mainly when the mother is diabetic, when there was a respiratory problem at birth, or when the baby is premature. The baby’s blood glucose tends to rise when the baby feeds and then drops over time, meaning the baby needs to feed again. If the baby’s body ends up using too much of its stored sugar or cannot store a proper amount, hypoglycemia may occur. When blood glucose is already low, additional interventions must be taken to prevent more serious issues. A doctor will run tests as soon as the baby is born to make sure everything is healthy. Hypoglycemia can develop even after these initial tests, so you should always watch for symptoms, especially if your baby is at risk.

Main Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Babies

Some of the main symptoms of hypoglycemia in babies are:

  • Easily irritable;
  • Very sleepy;
  • Seizures;
  • Feeding difficulties;
  • Breathing difficulties

If your baby shows any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away to determine the cause.

Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Babies

The main way to treat a baby’s blood glucose after birth is by feeding. Breastfeeding will be the primary tool to solve this problem, which means feeding times should be followed strictly for the treatment to work. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medications or formulas such as glucose solution, which can help raise the baby’s blood sugar levels.

Risks of Low Blood Glucose After Birth

When this condition is not properly treated, it can lead to a series of problems. Seizures, for example, can result in a brain injury that, in some cases, may become permanent. In even rarer cases, this problem can lead to death.

Neonatal Hyperglycemia

Neonatal hyperglycemia is simply too high a level of blood sugar. Although it’s rarer than hypoglycemia, it should also be discussed—not only because it’s another condition involving the baby’s blood glucose after birth, but also because it can become dangerous if not handled properly.

Causes of Neonatal Hyperglycemia

There are several situations where this type of condition can appear. The most common are:

  • Premature baby;
  • Excessive stress on the baby;
  • Infections that increase glucose production;
  • Mother’s drug use;
  • Asphyxia

Treatment of Hyperglycemia in Babies

To prevent this condition from developing, it is necessary to treat it correctly. For this problem, usually small doses of insulin are used, as well as strict control of breastfeeding and constant monitoring of the baby’s blood glucose levels. This way, the doctor can not only prevent the condition from worsening, but also track improvements.

The Influence of Maternal Blood Glucose

One of the main questions about a baby’s blood glucose after birth is whether the mother’s blood glucose level has any influence. The answer is yes. A pregnant woman who has diabetes or even gestational diabetes, for example, has higher risks of having a baby with glucose problems3. Therefore, it is also possible to prevent these problems by having a healthy diet during pregnancy and exercising regularly. This attention should be even greater for women who already have previous blood glucose issues. Coping with health problems in your baby right after birth is always difficult, as your body is still recovering from childbirth and your emotions might be sensitive due to so many sudden events in late pregnancy and the start of your baby’s life. But despite that, it’s important to stay calm and follow the medical instructions so this issue can be resolved in the best way possible. Remember that you will have many more questions and many more chapters in your life alongside your baby—and this is just the beginning of it all. Of course, no mother wants to deal with blood glucose problems in her baby after birth, but you will come out of this phase stronger and more prepared for motherhood. See Also: Glucose Levels in Pregnancy – How to Take Care? Photo: Glucose Levels in Pregnancy – How to Take Care?