Potassium is an important electrolyte and the body needs the right amount of potassium to function properly during pregnancy. The correct fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for optimal health. Potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and the production of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Sodium and potassium work side by side to maintain blood pressure.

Watch Out for Signs of Low Potassium

Low potassium levels are termed as hypokalemia. The symptoms of low potassium in pregnancy can be difficult to differentiate from normal symptoms of pregnancy.

Mild hypokalemia can cause:

• A feeling of fatigue and tiredness
• Constipation
• Pain abdomen and cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Numbness

If potassium levels are too low, there can be more severe symptoms like:

• Intense thirst
• Irregular heart beat
• Breathing difficulties
• Inability to move muscles
• Increased volume of urine

Low potassium levels can also lead to emotional disturbance and is linked to depression, hallucinations and confusion.

Why Does It Occur?

There is enough potassium in your diet if you are eating properly. The main reason for low potassium in pregnancy is inadequate intake due to nausea and vomiting. If morning sickness is severe and you are unable to eat sufficient amounts of potassium, the levels of potassium in blood can fall. If there is excessive loss of potassium from the body as in case of diarrhea, the levels can go down. Certain medicines like diuretics and some antibiotics also lead to low potassium levels in the body.

How to Treat It

There are four main principles to treat low potassium. The aim is to restore the levels back to normal. It can be done by adequate intake, minimizing potassium loss from the body, treating the problem and to prevent further complications.

1.      Include Potassium Rich Foods 

The best source of potassium is fresh fruits and vegetables. It is really easy to get the required amount of potassium by eating all these nutritious treats. Here is a list of some potassium rich foods with the amount of potassium they contain:

• One medium sized baked potato, with skin: 926 mg
• Half cup dried plums: 637 mg
• Half cup raisins: 598 mg
• A medium sized banana: 422 mg
• Half cup cooked spinach: 420 mg
• Six ounces of tomato juice: 417 mg
• Six ounces of prune juice: 528 mg
• Half cup cooked lima beans: 485 mg
• Half cup cubed and cooked acorn squash: 448 mg
• One tablespoon of molasses: 293 mg
• One medium sized tomato: 292 mg
• One ounce serving of sunflower seeds: 241 mg
• Six ounces of orange juice: 372 mg
• A medium sized orange: 237 mg
• One ounce of almonds: 200 mg
• A cup of raisin and bran cereal: 362 mg
• One medium sized artichoke, cooked: 343 mg

2.      Increase Electrolyte Intake

To avoid low potassium in pregnancy it is essential to take adequate amount of electrolytes. The intake of electrolytes should not be less than 2000 mg every single day. The blood volume increases during pregnancy and due to this dilution the levels of potassium can become low. To avoid this effect take plenty of electrolytes.

3.      Try Potassium Oral Supplements

Potassium is also available as oral supplement. There are many forms, such as powder, tablets, syrups and capsules. Before taking these you need to discuss with your doctor. They can suggest if you need to take them to correct the low potassium levels and what is the correct dosage. Do not take any supplements to correct low potassium in pregnancy without discussing with your doctor first, as higher levels of potassium can be very dangerous.

4.      Intravenous Administrating

Mild low levels of potassium can be easily corrected by increasing the oral intake of potassium. If the levels get too low intravenous administration of potassium may be required, in the form of a drip. Levels lower than 2.5 mmol/lit are treated with intravenous administration of potassium and extreme monitoring is required during and after the administration. Potassium can irritate the veins and high levels of potassium can trigger arrhythmias or irregular heart beat which can be fetal if not detected and treated promptly.

A Quick Note

It is crucial to monitor the potassium levels during pregnancy as low potassium in pregnancy can cause a lot of symptoms. Routine monitoring of this essential electrolyte can detect any abnormality at an early stage which can be easily corrected by increasing the oral intake of potassium rich foods. If the levels are too low, supplements can be advised by your physician. If your potassium levels are low during pregnancy, you should avoid any strenuous activity or physical exertion. The best way to prevent hypokalemia is to eat a balanced and nutrient rich diet and to contact the doctor immediately if the symptoms of nausea, fatigue and tiredness persist.