Pregnancy With Diabetes: What Every Woman Should Know

Pregnancy with diabetes can raise many questions for those who are pregnant or are planning their pregnancy. It’s important to understand how diabetes may affect you and your baby. Managing blood sugar levels becomes even more important during this time. So, it’s important to know the right steps to help you feel more prepared.

Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) at RISAA IVF has supported many women through safe pregnancies who have diabetes. So, today in this blog, we will explain everything about diabetes during pregnancy, including types, risks, management tips, how to stay healthy, and more.

What is Diabetes in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy with diabetes means that a woman has high blood sugar levels during her pregnancy. This can happen in two ways. One is, she already had diabetes before getting pregnant (called pre-existing diabetes). Second, she is developing it during pregnancy (called gestational diabetes).

In both cases, it means the body is not able to use insulin properly. This causes sugar to build up in the blood. Diabetes can affect the mother and the baby’s health if it’s not managed properly. There are many women with diabetes who can still have a safe and healthy pregnancy with proper care, healthy eating, and regular checkups.

Types of Diabetes That Affect Pregnancy

Pregnancy with diabetes can be linked to two main types of diabetes. It is important to understand the difference between them for proper care and treatment during pregnancy.

Pre-existing Diabetes – This means that the woman already had diabetes before becoming pregnant. It can be:

Type 1 Diabetes – This happens when the body does not make insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes – This happens when the body does not use insulin properly.

Women with pre-existing diabetes need proper monitoring before and during pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

This type develops during pregnancy, usually around the 24th to 28th week. It usually goes away after childbirth. However, it increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Proper diet, exercise, and blood sugar control are important to manage it.

How Diabetes Affects the Mother During Pregnancy?

When a woman has diabetes and pregnancy together then it can lead to some health issues for the mother. High blood sugar levels can cause problems if it’s not managed properly.

Here are some common effects that include the following:

High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia): Diabetes can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. This may also lead to serious complications if it’s not treated.
Increased Infections: Women with diabetes may be more likely to get UTIs or vaginal infections during pregnancy.
Delivery Complications: There is a higher chance of needing a C-section or having early labor due to diabetes-related issues.
Worsening of Diabetes: Pregnancy can make it difficult to control blood sugar and insulin needs may change.

How Diabetes Can Affect the Baby?

Pregnancy with diabetes can sometimes affect the baby’s health if the mother’s blood sugar levels are not controlled. High sugar levels in the mother’s body can pass to the baby and cause different problems.

Here are some common risks for the baby which include the following:

High Birth Weight: Babies may grow larger than normal and this can make delivery more difficult and may also lead to a C-section.
Low Blood Sugar After Birth: The baby’s sugar levels may drop quickly because they were used to high sugar levels during pregnancy. This will happen right after birth.
Breathing Problems: Some babies may have issues breathing at birth and might need medical help for a short time.
Early Birth: Babies may be born before the due date and this can lead to health issues as they may not be fully developed.
Higher Risk of Diabetes Later: Babies born to mothers with uncontrolled diabetes may have a higher risk of developing diabetes or obesity in the future.

Symptoms of Pregnancy with Diabetes

Pregnancy with diabetes may not always show clear signs, especially in the early stages. However, there are some symptoms that can tell you that your blood sugar levels are not in balance during pregnancy.

Here are a few common symptoms:

Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating more often
Feeling very tired or weak
Blurred vision
Nausea or vomiting that feels worse than usual
Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections
Unexpected weight loss or rapid weight gain

Diabetic Pregnancy Risks

Pregnancy with diabetes can increase certain health risks for the mother and the baby. These risks can be managed with the right care, but it’s important to be aware of them.

Here are some possible risks during a diabetic pregnancy:

High blood pressure (preeclampsia): This is a serious condition that can harm the mother and baby.
C-section delivery: Normal delivery may not be possible due to complications or a large baby.
Early birth (preterm labor): Babies may be born before the due date.
Low blood sugar in the baby after birth: Babies of diabetic mothers may have low sugar levels right after the delivery.
Miscarriage or stillbirth: Poorly controlled diabetes can increase this risk.
Large baby (macrosomia): This can make the delivery more difficult and can also increase birth injuries.
Birth defects: If blood sugar is not controlled during early pregnancy then the baby may have problems with heart or spinal development.

Managing Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

It’s very important to keep blood sugar levels in control during pregnancy for the mother and the baby. High sugar levels can lead to problems such as a large baby, early delivery, or other health risks.

Here are some simple ways to manage blood sugar during pregnancy:

Eat healthy meals – It’s important to choose whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Eat smaller meals more often – This can help you to keep your sugar steady and prevent sudden spikes or drops.
Stay active – You can do light exercises like walking, prenatal yoga, or stretching (with your doctor’s approval) to help control your sugar levels.
Check your sugar regularly – You can use a home glucose monitor as suggested by your doctor.
Take medicines or insulin as prescribed – If diet and exercise aren’t enough then your doctor may recommend safe medications.
Attend all check-ups – Regular visits can help your doctor to track your sugar levels and your baby’s health.

Final Words

It’s important to understand pregnancy with diabetes, especially if you’re planning to become a mother or are already expecting. In this blog, we’ve explained what diabetes in pregnancy means, how it can affect the mother and baby, the symptoms, risks, and simple tips to manage blood sugar. It’s important to learn about these facts to help you take better care of yourself and your baby. This information will also help you to seek the right infertility treatment if needed in the future.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many women with diabetes to conceive safely and deliver healthy babies. If you have concerns about diabetes, fertility, or are unsure how to start your journey, we are here to support you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected] for expert advice.