Today 2% of Indian women population or approximately 101 million people are living with diabetes.
However, it is not a condition that only affects the elderly. Pregnant women can also suffer from
this as well.
While diabetes is dangerous in women expecting, proper care can ensure healthy pregnancies.
Diabetes in women can be of two types. The first one is gestational diabetes. It only occurs
during pregnancy and requires attentive monitoring due to its potential impact on maternal and
fetal health. Whereas, the second type is known as preexisting diabetes. It can be either type 1
or type 2 diabetes and here, specialized prenatal care becomes necessary. Let’s understand
more below!
Effects of Diabetes on Pregnancy
Here are a few adverse effects of diabetes on pregnancy. They include:
● It can lead to the risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and urinary tract
infections in mothers.
● It can cause difficulty maintaining stable blood sugar levels due to hormonal changes in
mothers.
● It can lead to the risk of macrosomia and birth defects in the baby.
● It can cause neonatal hypoglycemia and respiratory distress syndrome in the baby.
● Poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of stillbirth.
● Diabetes in the mothers can lead to childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes in the baby.
Close monitoring and management throughout pregnancy are essential.
Pregnancy Care for Women with Diabetes:
To ensure a safe pregnancy for both the mother and the baby, you must take all the crucial
steps necessary. Let’s dive in!
Prenatal Care:
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential throughout pregnancy. You may need to
check blood sugar multiple times a day and keep a record. In fact, some women suffering from
this ailment may also go through high or low blood sugar levels, both of which should be
carefully managed.
A balanced diet is vital, and registered dietitians can help create meal plans that keep your
blood sugar in check.
Physical activity can also be useful in managing blood sugar levels and promoting overall
health. However, consult with a healthcare provider to establish a safe exercise routine.
Preconception Planning:
For proper glycemic control, achieving stable blood sugar levels before conception can reduce
the risk of birth defects and complications.
It typically requires medication adjustments and rigorous monitoring. However, only take
medicines prescribed by your doctor. Your healthcare provider will also discuss your pregnancy
plans and more. Ask any questions you may have and talk freely.
Postpartum Care:
Following childbirth, it’s crucial to maintain vigilance in monitoring blood sugar levels, especially
if insulin is used during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding, while beneficial, can impact blood sugar levels, so careful management is
essential.
Regular postpartum check-ups with healthcare providers are required to ensure the well-being
of both the mother and the newborn.
Wrapping up:
Pregnancy care for women with diabetes is highly individualized. Therefore, healthcare
providers play a crucial role in creating the care plan to meet the specific needs of each woman.
Regular communication with the healthcare team and adherence to the care plan are essential to ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.
