Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. Women with diabetes who become pregnant are at increased risk of having problems during the pregnancy and delivery.

The complications of diabetes during pregnancy can lead to neonatal death and other health problems for both mother and baby. In this article, we will examine some of the risks associated with diabetes during pregnancy and how to manage them.

Risks of Diabetes During Pregnancy

Diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of the following complications:.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It affects the way your body processes sugar, which can cause high blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure), increased risk of cesarean delivery, and a large baby.

Macrosomia

Macrosomia is a condition where the baby is larger than normal at birth. This can happen if the mother has gestational diabetes because high blood sugar levels can cause the baby to grow too large.

Macrosomia can increase the risk of problems during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, a condition where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Women with diabetes are at increased risk of preterm birth because high blood sugar levels can weaken the membranes and cause early labor.

Preterm birth can increase the risk of health problems for the baby, such as respiratory distress syndrome and infections.

Neonatal Death

Neonatal death is the death of a baby within the first 28 days of life.

Women with diabetes are at increased risk of neonatal death because high blood sugar levels can cause health problems for the baby, such as congenital heart defects and respiratory distress syndrome.

Management of Diabetes During Pregnancy

The management of diabetes during pregnancy involves monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing any complications that arise. The following are some ways to manage diabetes during pregnancy:.

Regular Monitoring of Blood Sugar Levels

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important during pregnancy because it can help prevent complications such as macrosomia and preterm birth.

Women with diabetes should aim to keep their blood sugar levels under control to reduce the risk of complications.

Diet and Exercise

Diet and exercise are important to manage diabetes during pregnancy. Women with diabetes should eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber, and they should also exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

Medication

Medication may be necessary to manage diabetes during pregnancy.

Women with gestational diabetes may need insulin to control their blood sugar levels, while women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may need to adjust their medication during pregnancy with the guidance of their healthcare provider.

Regular Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal care is essential for women with diabetes during pregnancy. Prenatal care includes regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, monitoring of blood sugar levels, and testing for any complications that may arise.

Conclusion

Diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, macrosomia, preterm birth, and neonatal death.

It is important to manage diabetes during pregnancy through regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, diet and exercise, medication, and regular prenatal care.