Women who suffer from diabetes need special medical attention during pregnancy. Just like before pregnancy, women with diabetes should monitor their sugar levels on regular basis during pregnancy.
If you have diabetes and plan to conceive, there are several steps that will help you reduce the risk of complications.
Preparation
Consultation with the doctor before getting pregnant, that is before the very process of planning a pregnancy, is very important when it comes to avoiding complications during pregnancy. Your doctor will help you determine the best diabetes control, and together with your gynecologist, you will determine the best possible way of quitting the contraceptive pill regimen.
The remaining tests will help your doctor and you in monitoring your health during pregnancy. The tests that you will probably have to do are:
- Urine culture, in order to determine the possible complications in kidney functions
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- electrocardiogram
- Testing the liver and kidney functions
- Foot exam
Consultation with the doctor before conceiving is an important step in the preparation for pregnancy. During the consultation, you will become physically and emotionally ready for pregnancy.
Diabetes, pregnancy, and the importance of sugar control
Good sugar level control is important before conceiving, too, precisely because a great number of women find out they are pregnant only after 2 to 4 weeks. High sugar levels in the first weeks of pregnancy can cause birth defects, increase the risk of miscarriage, and many other complications during pregnancy.
Good sugar control means maintaining the glucose level within the ideal range – 70 to 100 mg/dL before a meal, less than 120 mg/dL 2 after a meal, and 100 to 140 mg/dL before the last meal. You should also eat balanced meals, exercise, and take medications that your doctor has prescribed.
How can diabetes influence the baby?
The most frequent problem is microsomnia, which means that the baby is larger than average. This happens because the placenta contains high sugar levels. The child then starts producing larger quantities of insulin, and the excess sugar is turned into fat, which is why the baby is oversized.
Sometimes, the baby is so large that it is not possible to perform a vaginal birth, but a cesarean section must be performed. The doctor will carefully monitor the baby’s size and plan the birth method with you.
If the sugar levels are constantly high during pregnancy, especially 24 hours before childbirth, the sugar levels in baby’s blood can become too low right after the childbirth and baby’s life can be jeopardized. There is a great possibility that the doctors will provide glucose to the baby intravenously.
Medicines for diabetes during pregnancy
If you are taking insulin, do not get surprised if a doctor recommends you a different dose. During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, your body will need a larger dose of insulin.
Diabetes during pregnancy and diet
You, your doctor, and your nutritionist will develop the best possible dietary plan. This way, you will reduce the risk of sudden changes in the sugar levels in your blood. You will probably need to start consuming a greater number of calories, as well.
Diabetes during pregnancy and the duration of pregnancy
Pregnant women who control their sugar level well usually do not experience any complications during pregnancy. Your gynecologist will probably start planning an early childbirth, usually during the 38th or 39th week.
Diabetes and childbirth
The maintenance of sugar levels is equally important during childbirth, which can be extremely stressful for both the mother and the baby. If you have been taking the insulin the pregnancy, you will probably also receive it at the very beginning of the delivery. The body’s need for insulin usually lowers right after childbirth.