Hypokalemia During Pregnancy – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Even a minute change in the remaining 2% can cause severe effects on nerves and muscle cells especially heart muscle cells. The kidneys play an important role in regulating potassium levels in the bloodstream by eliminating excess potassium through urine.

What is the Normal Level of Potassium in Blood During Pregnancy?

The normal level of potassium in the bloodstream is 3.5 to 5 millimoles per liter. During the first trimester potassium in the range of 3.6 to 5, second trimester 3.3 to 5, third trimester 3.3 to 5.1 are normal. Once the potassium level falls below this level, the situation of hypokalemia occurs.

Read here to know the importance of potassium during pregnancy.

How Does Hypokalemia Affect My Pregnancy?

Hypokalemia is a very dangerous situation to arise during pregnancy as it can harm both the mother and the unborn child.

• Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a situation that may arise during pregnancy due to low potassium levels, for a short period of time. This temporary paralysis more often affects the arms and legs.
• Hypokalemia can cause a cardiac complication known as cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Severe dysrhythmias can cause cardiac arrest or lung paralysis.
• High blood pressure is another complication that can arise during pregnancy because of hypokalemia.
• Untreated hypokalemia can cause kidney failure, which can put both mother and the unborn child’s life in danger

What are the Symptoms of Hypokalemia During Pregnancy?

Initial symptoms are very hard to recognize as most of them are common during pregnancy, almost in all women.

Main Symptoms in Mild Cases of Hypokalemia are

• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue and numbness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramping and bloating

Main Symptoms in Severe Cases of Hypokalemia are

• Irregular heart beats
• Passing large amount of urine
• Feeling thirsty
• Breathing problems
• Unable to move the limbs

Emotional Problems That Surface Due to Hypokalemia During Pregnancy are

• Depression
• Confusion
• Hallucination

What Causes Hypokalemia During Pregnancy?

Many factors can trigger Hypokalemia during pregnancy. Here are some of the top reasons for hypokalemia during pregnancy.

1. Vomiting and Diarrhea During Pregnancy

A significant amount of vomiting, which is associated with morning sickness or an attack of diarrhea during the first trimester can result in potassium loss from the intestine.

2. Use of Diuretics

Diuretics are medicines used for treating high blood pressure. Using diuretics causes increased urination resulting in low potassium levels.

3. Use of Antibiotics

Using certain antibiotics during pregnancy like gentamicin and carbenicillin can cause hypokalemia.

4. Increased Level of Aldosterone

The adrenal gland secretes a steroid hormone-Aldosterone, which has a vital role in maintaining the pH and electrolyte level of blood. During pregnancy, an increase in the level of this hormone can result in the loss of potassium through urine.

How is Hypokalemia Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

Low potassium can be diagnosed with a routine blood test done during pregnancy. Irregular heartbeats can be caught in an ECG.

How Can Hypokalemia During Pregnancy be Treated?

The treatment of hypokalemia varies with intensity. the treatment ranges from dietary intake of potassium, prescribing oral supplements, to restoring potassium via intravenous administration.

The treatment basically concentrated on two aspects- restoration of the normal level of potassium in the bloodstream and minimization of further chances of deficiency of potassium. The measures taken to restore potassium levels in the blood are:

1. Modifying the Current Menu with Potassium Rich Food

Include the food items which have a sufficient amount of potassium like, bananas, tomato, spinach, white bean, mushroom, fish, avocados, yogurt, potatoes, etc. It will help to raise the amount of potassium naturally during pregnancy.

2. Increasing Electrolyte Intake

Increasing the intake of electrolytes to 2000 mg per day will help to keep up the potassium level with the raising blood volume.

3. Oral Potassium Supplements

Oral potassium replacement therapy will be enough to treat mild or moderate hypokalemia (2.5 to 3.5 millimoles per liter). Potassium supplements are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid. Oral potassium is absorbed quickly. The dosage depends upon the requirement.

4. Intravenous Administrating

If the potassium level is less than 2.5 millimoles per liter, more aggressive treatment like intravenous administration of potassium is needed. Potassium can be highly irritating to the veins. Hence, the procedure is usually done under close supervision to avoid heart irritation.

What Are The Food Sources Of Potassium?

Potassium is already found in a variety of foods that you consume on a daily basis. However, consider adding the following items to your diet if you need to increase your potassium intake.

Potassium-rich fruits

• Bananas, apricots, oranges, grapefruit, honeydew, and cantaloupe
• Dry fruits, such as dates, prunes, and raisins, are also rich sources of potassium

Potassium-rich vegetables

• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Cucumber
• Leafy greens
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini
• Peas

Legumes Rich in Potassium

• Soybeans
• Lima beans
• Lentils
• Kidney beans

Fish Rich in Potassium

• Salmon
• Trout
• Tuna
• Cod

Potassium-rich Juices

• Prune juice
• Orange juice
• Tomato juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Apricot Juice

Dairy product

• Milk
• Yogurt.

Choose fat-free or low-fat versions to prevent unnecessary weight gain

Other Foods Rich in Potassium

• Brown rice
• Whole wheat bread and pasta
• Nuts

<h2id=”Low-Potassium-Level-and-Miscarriage”>Low Potassium Level And Miscarriage

Hyperkalemia can lead to fatigue, cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, constipation, and weakness during pregnancy. The condition, however, is not directly linked with miscarriage.

Prevention Of Hypokalemia During Pregnancy

You can reduce the risk of hypokalemia during pregnancy by including potassium-rich foods in your pregnancy diet. In case you are having gestational diabetes or gestational hypertension, manage it well. Also, increase the intake of electrolytes.

In case of low potassium, reduce the physical exersion. Regular, routine checkups and prenatal appointments are the keys to identify and treat any problem, so ensure that you do not miss them.

FAQ’s

1. Is Hypokalemia in Pregnancy Common?

No, it is not. It is very rare. It is caused by low potassium levels.

2. Can Hypokalemia in Pregnancy Cause Heart Problems?

Yes, it can. Abnormal heart rhythm is one of the main symptoms. Calcium is given to improve this condition.

3. How is Hypokalemia in Pregnancy Treated?

Its treated by giving potassium. It can be given orally or through IV. In case of cardiac arrhythmia, calcium is given through IV.

4. Is Hypokalemia in Preeclampsia Dangerous?

Yes, it is. It can cause muscle weakness leading to respiratory issues. This can even be fatal.