Diabetes I and II

Should I become pregnant if my diabetes is not under control?

While some pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy, there are other women who already suffer from diabetes mellitus I or II before becoming pregnant. Women that suffer from diabetes are generally considered high risk obstetrical patients. However, because of medical advances and proper prenatal care, most diabetic patients that follow their doctors orders will have succesfful pregnancies with little or no complications. Although pregnancy does not bring on retinal or kidney damage for diabetic mothers, it can cause pre-existing damage to become worse.

Many doctors do not recommend getting pregnant unless your blood glucose levels have been properly controlled for 3-6 months. Because high blood sugar levels and ketones do pass through the placenta, the risks of birth defects in the baby is increased when the mother has diabetes. It is during the first six weeks of pregnancy that the vital organs begin to form in a fetus. Many women do not know they are pregnant during this time. In order to prevent birth defects to the baby's developing syste, it is crucial that diabetic women keep their blood glucose levels in control. If you are trying to conceive or there is a possibility that you could get pregnant, take a hold of your diabetes to avoid serious birth defects. More than likely you will have to measure your blood sugar levels periodically throughout the day and some women may need insulin injections. Always report any questionable numbers to your caregiver. Following a healthy diet and getting proper amounts of exercise are important. Your healthcare provider may wish to see you more often during your pregnancy to monitor your blood sugar levels and check the development and health of the baby. Because pregnancy can cause retinal (eye) and kidney problems to become worse in a diabetic patient, it is important to follow your caregivers directions and get proper evaluations and treatments.

If a diabetic woman does not have a good control on her blood glucose levels early on in the pregnancy, there is a greater chance of miscarriage. In the later weeks of pregnancy, the chances of having a stillbirth are increased with poor blood sugar control. A diabetic mother has a better chance of developing preeclampsia during her pregnancy as well, which could lead to early delivery. Diabetic mothers are more likely to deliver extremely large babies because of the extra amounts of sugar that are in their blood. With large babies, the chances of delivering via cesarean section are also increased. This is because the baby is simply too large to pass through the birth canal and the risk of injury is high.

After delivery, mothers with diabetes should be monitored closely. Diabetic mothers will experience the same type of changes after the birth of their baby, but their blood sugar levels can vary. Many diabetics will find that they do not need insulin injections directly following delivery. However, most diabetics will notice that their insulin requirements will be back to normal within 48 hours of delivery. It is important to respond to these needs and continue taking care of yourself. Insulin requirements may also be lower if you are breastfeeding, but you will need to monitor your levels closely to make sure your levels are correct.

Because the baby depends on the mother for nutrition, the baby will receive the extra sugar that is produced as well. The fetus' pancreas will respond to the extra sugar and make increased amounts of insulin. After delivery, babies that are born to diabetic mothers have a difficult time decreasing the amount of insulin their bodies produce. Newborns are likely to experience breathing difficulties, low levels of calcium, jaundice and heart problems. There is also a greater chance of the child developing diabetes in their lifetime.

Comments: Diabetes I and II

Comments 1 to 14 of about 14.
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bambeeno82 - 3 days ago.
Hey everyone....I'm a type 2 diabetic currently being controlled through diet and medication as well as 27 weeks preggers. Does anyone know if most diabetic women tend to deliver earlier rather than after 38 weeks?

Shellby26 - 28 days ago.
I am 25 yrs old and i am type 2 diabetic. I have take pills and insulin shots twice a day. I have been with my fiance for 2 yrs now and we have been trying. I really want a baby and i have just about tried everything. Also, my period is irregular and i have not seen a doctor about it. I think the last time i saw my period was in march and it began spotting last month.i just do not know what to do anymore.

periza - 55 days ago.
hello, i´m a type 2 diabetic. i´m 24, 25 in 2 months. and i´ve been trying to get pregnant for about 2 years now, last year i had an ectopic pregnancy and haven´t gotten pregnant since. i´d apreciate any advice or suggestions on how to achive my goal. plus my sugar levels never seem to get leveled, i´m always over 200 and when ever it goes under that i start to feel bad.

nursemommy3 - 66 days ago.
Hi ladies, I'm a type 1 diabetic I'm pregnant with #3 and I was wondering if anyone had a high protein come back with their 24 hr urine, mine has gone up since i had it done at 16 wks (im 27 wks now). My a1c is great , the baby is great I'm just a little concerned with th jump in numbers.

Dnaye44 - 86 days ago.
Hi there! I am new to this site and really feel like this could be helpful as I am feeling so alone. I am type 1 diabetic and just recently found out I was pregnant, I havent shared this news with anyone but my husband b/c this will be pregnancy #6 and have miscarried always, as recent as this past March, now I had an ultrasound done and they found nothing and mentioned it may be ectopic! I am trying to stay positive but it is SO HARD! Im hoping its just too early to see anything yet as I am only about 5weeks. Any thoughts?

kristentipton - 96 days ago.
I am 12 weeks pregnant and this is my second child. I am type 2 but after my first child my pancreas went capoot! I am not on an insulin pump and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I was not aware that I was pregnant and my A1c was 11.5 at 4 weeks. I have been a wreck and I have my nuchael screening next Friday. I am having a hard time with will power and sweets. ALL I WANT IS COFFEE AND SWEETS! I was an angel with my first and this one is totally different. I am trying so hard but the sugars always seems to come back high. I think some of it is stress as well! How is everyone else?

maebeth - 116 days ago.
Hi ladies. I'm 34 weeks 5 days and very concerned. I had a c-section scheduled at 38 weeks 3 days, but my doctor told me today that I might need to deliver earlier due to my amniotic fluid levels and she suspects I might have a staff infection as there are some cuts on my left leg that won't heal. I get the results on the staff infection on Friday. My immune system is really low as it is and my diabetes isn't helping. Anyone else experienced this and have advice?

preciousmummy - 121 days ago.
hi im a insulin diabetic and have 4 injections a day i am currently 12 weeks pregnant after miscarriage in dec 08, this is second pregnancy with being a diabetic my first was miscarriage i would be grateful for any advice or just a chat about experiences if anyone would like to share with me please. my levels use to high (16 up) now there below 5 somedays. love to hear from you soon xx

amandahann83 - 122 days ago.
I have been Type 1 diabetic since I was 7 years old and am now 25. I am currently 7 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I have 2 girls who were both born a little early and weighed in at 10 lbs12oz (37 weeks) and 9lbs 1oz (36 weeks).... I'm just looking for some new people out there that know what I'm going through.

maebeth - 129 days ago.
sleepymomma- glad things are going well for you and hope it continues. As for me, I'm struggling more than ever with amniotic fluid levels and baby's size. It's frustrating to try so hard and not slow the baby's size or fluid levels. Only another 5 1/2 weeks.

sleepymomma - 134 days ago.
Maebeth, no luckily so far, this baby is just the right size. We will probably have a scheduled induction in about 10 weeks.

maebeth - 149 days ago.
Hi. I'm a mommy to a 3 1/2 year old and have had Type 1 diabetes for 18 years. I'm pregnant again and currently 30 weeks gestation. I'm having a rough time with controlling the baby's size. He is currently 4 lbs 2 oz. I've gained about 25 lbs with the this pregnancy so far, but my belly is measuring around 36 weeks. Anyone else having this issue?

wendywoo40 - 307 days ago.
Hi there. I have known about my type 2 diabetes for just under 5 years. Last year I got pregnant with my first child at the ripe old age of nearly 40. But unfortunately I lost him last May at 14 weeks. I didn't know I pregnant until I was 5 weeks and was taking tablets. As soon as test said posotive I stopped taking them but I also have high blood pressure so had to stop them tablets as well. After the loss my ex dumped me over the phone so am hoping to meet someone else and try for another little one but get my body prepared this time under my local clinic. Take care Wendy Woo

heavensangels - 314 days ago.
I am a type 1 diabetic with a insulin pump and recently gave birth to my third child via VBAC. Please if you have any questions feel free to message me!