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Diabetes Pregnancy

For people who have diabetes, pregnancy represents some special circumstances. Fortunately, medical advances have made it very possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. However, you do need to discuss your plan to get pregnant with your doctor. You will have to be very vigilant when it comes to monitoring your blood sugar levels.

You need to ensure both you and your baby are safe from some of the serious consequences that are possible from high blood glucose levels. With proper management of diabetes, pregnant women can ensure the best possible start for their baby. You will need to be prepared before your ever conceive.

High blood glucose can affect your baby in the early weeks of pregnancy. The extra sugar the baby is being fed can lead to a large baby and a tough delivery. In addition, the first few weeks of pregnancy are crucial in the baby’s development as organs form. There is a greater risk of birth defects for women who fail to keep a handle on their blood glucose. In addition, sometimes, you don’t even realize you are pregnant until three or four weeks after you conceive. This is why it is important to have your blood glucose levels under control before you decide to start a family. You need to test your blood often to ensure your sugar levels are in the target range.

Women with diabetes require a special prenatal care team. You should ensure you have a doctor, pediatrician and dietician all experienced with diabetes pregnancy. Having a doctor or obstetrician who is familiar with your special circumstances will ensure you receive the proper medical care. A pediatrician will be able to treat any problems that might arise for the new baby after birth. And a dietician can continue to adjust your meal plan as your body changes throughout your pregnancy.

Type one diabetics will need to administer higher than usual doses of insulin during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Type two diabetics may need to take insulin even if it is not usually part of their treatment plan.

A diabetes pregnancy treatment plan will include balancing diet, exercise, and insulin. You should try and get fit before you get pregnant. Your health care team will help you determine your best fitness routine.

Once you go into labor, your insulin needs will likely drop until after delivery. Once you get home with your new bundle of joy, remember to give yourself care as well. To effectively care for baby, you need to have good control of your diabetes.

This means trying to eat regular meals even though baby may have an altogether different schedule. If you breastfeed your new baby, you will have higher glucose needs. You should snack just before feeding and make sure you have plenty of liquids.

Women who are not diabetic heading into pregnancy, can still run the risk of what is called gestational diabetes. This usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Your body is having trouble meeting your insulin needs, and adjusting to changes during pregnancy. Usually gestational diabetes goes away after delivery. If it doesn’t, you may have already had diabetes without realizing it. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type two diabetes.

Being informed and planning ahead will ensure both mother and baby the best chance. With careful management of your blood glucose, your pregnancy will be as normal as possible. For people with diabetes, pregnancy can still be a beautiful and special time for mother and baby.

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