Diabetes is not a medical condition to be taken lightly. This condition can cause blindness, loss of feeling in hands and feet, and can cause death when not monitored. Adding pregnancy into the mix can make having diabetes even more important of a condition to monitor. You need to be aware of several aspects of diabetes and how they pertain to pregnancy.

Types of Diabetes

Saying diabetes doesn’t cover all the condition is. There are actually 3 types of diabetes and each one has to be dealt with in its own unique way.

1. Type 1 – This is one that is diagnosed in a person’s childhood. You’ll generally know about this long before you even consider pregnancy. Insulin plays a big role in controlling this type.
2. Type 2 – This type develops over the years mainly due to being overweight and with a poor diet. It can usually be controlled with diet and medication. Many go for years without knowing they have Type 2 diabetes.
3. Gestational – This is a special type that only happens to pregnant women and does not last beyond the birth. Not all pregnancies result in gestational diabetes, but it is not uncommon.

Pre-existing Diabetes

If you are pregnant with diabetes type 1 or type 2, you stand a higher chance of issues and complications with your pregnancy and in giving birth.

• Increase chance of miscarriages
• Higher chance of cesarean section
• Type 1 has a higher chance of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy which damage the eyes and tingling and loss of feeling in the extremities.
• Baby has higher chance of heart problems.
• Baby has higher chance of being stillborn

How to Reduce Pre-Existing Risks

You can’t eliminate all the risks, but you can reduce these risks listed above

1. Have diabetes in control before getting pregnant.
2. Stay in contact with doctor and follow directions.
3. Drink about 5 mg of folic acid a day. You can find folic acid in many foods, but orange juice has a large amount.
4. Have regular checkups of your eyes and your kidneys.

Gestational Diabetes

Not every pregnancy develops gestational diabetes. But there are risks that could increase your chances of developing them in your first or your second or third pregnancy.

• Overweight – If you are overweight, you stand a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes.
• Previous large baby – If this is not your first pregnancy, you could stand a chance of developing gestational diabetes if your previous baby was at least 10 pounds.
• Had gestational diabetes in another pregnancy – If you’ve had it once, you could easily get it again.
• Diabetes in your family – If you have a family history of it, you could develop it during your pregnancy.

Risks with Gestational Diabetes

Anytime diabetes is involved, there are risks. This is true even with the temporary gestational diabetes.

• You could have a larger baby
• Higher chance of caesarean section
• Increased risk of baby being stillborn
• Health problems at birth

Dealing with Gestational Diabetes

You can’t ignore gestational diabetes and it can easily be controlled. Keep testing your blood sugars on a regular basis, eat good, exercise, and follow your doctor’s orders.

What to Expect with Labor and Right after Birth

Don’t be surprised if you have a larger child. This could lead you to have problems delivering your baby. Knowing up front that you have diabetes of any type will help the hospital staff be prepared.

You and your baby will have your sugars tested not long after birth. The doctor will monitor you and advise you on how to continue controlling your diabetes. If you have developed gestational diabetes, you can usually stop all treatments and have a follow up to verify that it was just a temporary condition.

Articles related to pregnancy you might be interested in reading:

What Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

Pregnancy Trimesters: The Three Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy’s Emotional Challenges

Products you might need during your pregnancy:

Pregnancy Music Belt	Pregnancy Wedge	Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System