Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot adequately process glucose in the blood into energy, either due to a lack of insulin or a problem with the usage of insulin in the body. Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and pre-existing diabetes in a pregnant woman should be carefully monitored to avoid potential problems for both mother and baby.
Types
Some women who become pregnant already have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Many of these women are already aware of their diabetes and may be taking measures to control the disease, including using insulin injections, controlling their weight, eating a diet designed for diabetics or monitoring their blood sugar on a regular basis. Other women develop gestational diabetes, a temporary condition in which the body cannot properly use insulin during the course of the pregnancy, causing high blood-sugar levels.
Effects on the Baby
The effects of diabetes on the baby depend on the type. Gestational diabetes can cause the baby to grow extremely large, a condition called macrosomia. It can also make the baby have a dangerous drop in blood glucose immediately after birth. Types 1 and 2 diabetes may lead to birth defects in the baby if blood sugar is high during the vital first two months of fetal development.
Treatment
Type 1 diabetics who become pregnant must continue taking insulin, watching their diet and monitoring their blood glucose levels throughout the pregnancy. Women with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes may be able to control their diabetes through diet and exercise, although they may need insulin shots if the diabetes becomes severe. All pregnant women with diabetes should have their blood sugar monitored by a doctor to make sure their treatment regimen is working.
Related Complications
A woman with any type of uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy is more likely to have other complications that can affect the pregnancy. She is at higher risk of developing high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, which can lead to premature birth or growth restriction in the fetus or to seizures in the mother. Polyhydramnios, characterized by too much amniotic fluid in the womb, is another potential consequence of uncontrolled diabetes. A diabetic mother is also at higher risk for a Caesarean section birth.
Tests
To prevent complications arising from uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy, doctors often perform one or more tests during the course of the pregnancy. Blood tests to measure glucose levels are performed at each prenatal visit and regular home blood-sugar testing is often recommended. Ultrasounds may be performed to monitor the growth of the baby in the womb and the levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. A pregnant diabetic may also be given a nonstress test at each prenatal checkup, which monitors the baby's heartbeat to look for potential problems.
