Pregnant women with diabetes are considered to have a high risk pregnancy. This is true for women who were diabetic before becoming pregnant, as well as those who develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. While having diabetes during a pregnancy can pose potential health problems, proper monitoring and prenatal care can help avoid most potential complications for both mother and baby.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure during pregnancy is more common in women who have diabetes. High blood pressure during pregnancy is serious, and in some cases can indicate the presence of a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, usually detected in the second or third trimester, causes high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in the urine. It can be dangerous for both mother and baby. According to the March of Dimes, preeclampsia can cause seizures in the mother. It also increases the risk of a premature birth.
Urinary Tract Infections
Another possible issue for a diabetic woman during pregnancy is the increased risk of developing urinary tract infections, or UTI. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that women with gestational diabetes have around twice the risk that other pregnant woman have of developing urinary infections. This is possibly due to excess glucose in the urine.
Amniotic Fluid Problems
Pregnant women who are diabetic, either due to pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes, have a greater risk of developing polyhydraminos, a condition in which there is too much amniotic fluid in the uterus. According to the March of Dimes, polyhydramnios can lead to premature birth.
Larger Babies
Women who are diabetic during their pregnancy tend to grow larger babies, according to Medline Plus. While this is not necessarily dangerous for the baby, having a larger baby can increase the risk of birth complications for the mother. The delivery may be more difficult, and there is a greater chance for the need of a c-section. Medline Plus reports that women who give birth to larger babies also have an increased risk of trauma or injury during delivery.
Birth Defects
According to Medline Plus, there is an elevated risk of baby death when mothers are diabetic during their pregnancy. Stillbirth, birth defects and other health complications (such as low blood sugar and breathing problems) are more common in women with both pre-existing and gestational diabetes. The March of Dimes reports that such health complications are more common when mothers do not adequately manage their blood sugar levels during their pregnancy.
Diabetic Children
The children of diabetic mothers are at a greater risk than the average person for becoming diabetic sometime in their lives. These children tend to have a higher predisposition to childhood obesity, according to the American Diabetes Association. They are also at a greater risk for developing type II diabetes later in their adult lives. The ADA reports that this is more common when pregnant women do not adequately control their blood sugar levels.
