Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which your body fails to effectively regulate its own blood glucose levels. If you are a woman with diabetes, this disease can cause some complications if you become pregnant. Even if you do not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may be at risk for developing gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.
Birth Defects
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are pregnant, it is important that you maintain control over your blood sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women who have uncontrolled blood sugar levels during pregnancy are at an increased risk for having a baby with a birth defect. Organ development within the baby begins during the first two months of pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels within the mother during this crucial period may lead to birth defects involving brain, spinal cord or heart development. In certain cases, uncontrolled blood sugar levels within the mother may cause miscarriage or stillbirth to occur.
High Birth Weight
High blood glucose levels in a pregnant woman with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes may lead to a high birth weight baby. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), your baby will be fed excess levels of sugar through the placenta. This can cause your developing baby to accumulate excess body fat, which can make delivery difficult for both you and your baby. Larger babies may also be at an increased risk of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life, according to the CDC.
Neonatal Hypoglycemia
If you have high blood glucose levels during pregnancy as a result of type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, your baby may be born with low blood glucose levels, according to the CDC. Infants with low blood glucose levels---a condition called neonatal hypoglycemia---may be at risk for developing additional symptoms, including seizures or breathing problems as a result of this condition.
Jaundice
The ADA notes that babies born to mothers with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing jaundice. Jaundice is a medical condition that is caused by a buildup of red blood cells and results in a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Additional Problems
Pregnant women with high levels of blood glucose due to type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes may develop additional problems that can lead to preterm delivery of the baby, according to the CDC. A baby born to a mother with uncontrolled diabetes may also be more susceptible to developing breathing, vision, intestinal or heart problems. Some women with diabetes may give birth to underweight babies. These babies may have difficulty gaining weight, protecting their bodies against infection or keeping warm.
