Sure, diabetes is not an innocuous disease- it can harm both the mother and the baby. Some of the complications a diabetic mother can develop are life threatening.
Data indicate that both deaths and stillbirths are 2-3 times as common in infants born to diabetic mothers. In addition, these babies also have a very high risk of developing numerous congenital problems. Further babies born to diabetic mothers are always big and thus delivery can be difficult and associated with a variety of problems. Later in life, these babies also have a greater likelihood of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. The mother is also more prone to developing high blood pressure and eclampsia.
Finally, during the pregnancy, the mother can develop severe bloating, gastroparesis and constipation often leading to poor absorption of vital nutrients from the stomach.
All diabetics who take oral medications for blood sugar control should know that these drugs have never been fully tested in pregnancy and have potential to do great harm. Thus, all women with type 2 diabetes have to be covered with insulin during the course of pregnancy. Getting used to insulin and the frequent needle pricks is not fun and does take time getting used. Further blood glucose control during pregnancy can be difficult because of the constantly fluctuating levels of hormones.
During pregnancy, blood sugar levels are monitored more frequently to ensure that no complications occur. Finally if you are a type 2 diabetic, it is imperative that you maintain a decent weight, since obesity can make blood glucose levels difficult to control
If you are slightly over weight and diabetic, start an exercise program and lose some weight before you get pregnant. While this may seem like a chore, it will save you a ton of headaches later on. Moreover, by losing weight you will also look slim, sexier and gain more self-confidence.
Diabetes can cause a whole host of problems during pregnancy but most can be prevented by good prenatal care. If you are a diabetic you should be closely followed by a physician who deals with diabetes.
Prior to getting pregnant, speak to your doctor to determine what you should be doing. The best way to avoid complications is to ensure good blood glucose control, maintain a healthy weight and enroll in some type of exercise program. Even daily walking is good enough. In addition, you must take the recommended dose of vitamins and folic acid.
You must follow up with the doctor on a periodic basis to monitor your diabetes and pregnancy.
