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Being Pregnant With Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women with diabetes have a greater risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects. This is especially true for women who do not control their diabetes. This can result in elevated levels of blood glucose and ketones, which are natural compounds found in the body that are dangerous in excessive amounts. Both of these factors travel to the placenta and fetus, thereby contributing to a greater risk of birth defects. Following are steps that you can take to ensure a safer birth.

  1. Blood Glucose

    • In ideal circumstances, you should have you blood glucose under control before you get pregnant. During the first two months of pregnancy, the organs of the fetus are forming, and yet most women will not know that they are pregnant until they miss their first period. So it is best to keep in mind that whether or not you are trying to conceive, realize that your blood glucose levels will affect a pregnancy if you are sexually active. If you don't, the fetus will receive extra sugar in their blood during pregnancy, so the pancreas has to produce extra insulin. This makes delivery more difficult, as the fetus will put on excessive weight. After the baby is born, the pancreas will continue to produce extra insulin, so it is important to keep your blood glucose under control.

    Getting Care

    • It is important to have both a regular primary care physician and a gynecologist obstetrician who have a history of caring for women with diabetes. Before your baby is born, you should seek out a neonatologist and/or a pediatrician who specialize in treating complications and problems with children born to women in diabetes. For extra protection, consider consulting with a registered dietitian who can develop a meal plan during your pregnancy and guidelines to follow after you give birth.

    Exercise

    • Exercise is crucial for you and your baby's health. Before continuing an existing or beginning a new exercise program, consult with your doctor. Make sure to ask for specific guidelines on what is safest. A general rule is avoid exercise that is too strenuous, but what defines this depends on a number of factors, such as your overall diabetes history, your past exercise regimen and age. Your doctor might suggest water aerobics, walking or another low-impact form of exercise, as well as prenatal yoga for meditation.

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