Understanding Newborn Blood Sugar Levels: Monitoring & Risks

When in the hospital, newborn blood sugar levels are monitored for the first 48 hours by the nursing staff. According to the La Leche League International, a low blood sugar level is cause for concern.

Risks

• Babies who were born prematurely or to mothers who either have diabetes or gestational diabetes are at higher risk of blood sugar issues after birth.

Testing

• Blood sugar levels can easily be determined by heel sticks while in the hospital. A small drop of blood can determine the blood sugar level and is similar to how diabetics monitor glucose levels.

Normal Levels

• Doctors differ in their opinion of what level constitutes hypoglycemia. In premature babies or in an asymptomatic baby, levels as low as 20 mg/dl may be acceptable. Typically, normal levels are in the 30 mg/dl to 40 mg/dl range.

Symptoms

• According to the Children's Hospital Boston, symptoms include jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding, low body temperature and blue skin coloring.

Complications

• Blood sugar is important to the brain's function. A low blood sugar level can lead to seizures and brain damage.