Parent and Baby

Written on February 9, 2009 – 4:41 am | by Staff |

Are you a diabetic mom-to-be? Here’s what you need to know to maximize your chances for a healthy, complications-free nin months for you and your baby.

No experience is sweeter than holding your baby for the first time after going through all the hurdles of pregnancy. But if you are a diabetic, pregnancy presents a whole new set of complications. There are many risks and you and your ob-gyne will work hand-in-hand to get through your pregnancy.

Here are some of the questions that you might ask if you are a diabetic mom-to-be:

• How will pregnancy affect my diabetes regimen?
• Will complications from diabetes affect my pregnancy?
• How do I keep my baby healthy during pregnancy?
• Will diabetes affect how I give birth?

You must be aware of the impact of pregnancy on your hormones and metabolism to also adjust your diabetes management. Your insulin requirements will change during pregnancy and shortly after delivery. Early in pregnancy, your body may start using glucose more effectively than usual. You may need less insulin. You may be more at risk of hypoglycemia, particularly if morning sickness affects your carbohydrate intake. Common signs of hypoglycemia include shaking, sweating, headache, confusion, paleness and changes in your mood and behavior.

Later in pregnancy, your placenta will provide your baby with nutrition it needs to grow. Unfortunately, it will also start producing hormones that will adversely affect the ability of insulin to do its job properly. This can result in insulin resistance form about the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. You may now need to take more insulin. In the final four to six months of pregnancy, your need for insulin may change again. You may need slightly less insulin at this time. When the baby is born, you insulin needs will fall dramatically. This may make controlling your blood sugar levels challenging. You will have to be extra vigilant and work closely with your doctor in monitoring your diabetes. Test your blood glucose at least four times a day and overnight on occasions to help monitor your condition and adjust your insulin dosage. if necessary. Your doctor will recommend what is suitable for your condition and circumstances.

If you have kidney problems due to diabetes, you are not likely to have major problems. You doctor will instruct you on what to do. Severe kidney disease however, is a reason for concern, although mild nephropathy causes few problems. Any diabetes-induced renal disease can deteriorate during pregnancy, with your condition returning to normal after the delivery, unless the kidney disease is severe. You are also susceptible to urinary infections during pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you have any symptoms or feel feverish for any reason. Any urinary tract infection in a pregnant woman must be treated because of the risk of bacteria ascending form the bladder to the kidneys. If you have kidney problems or high blood pressure or both, there is a risk of preeclampsia, also known as toxemia of pregnancy, there is protein in the urine, there is fluid retention that will result in swelling of the limbs, face and hands. Your doctor may recommend medications, bed rest, early admission to hospital or early delivery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Eye problems or diabetic retinopathy frequently gets worse during pregnancy but reverse after delivery. Have you eyes assessed and get treatment before you become pregnant.

Nerve problems or diabetic neuropathy don’t usually cause problems during pregnancy. One common concern is carpal tunnel syndrome but this will often be resolved after delivery.

Your chances of a normal pregnancy and delivery will increase if you keep tight control of your blood glucose level throughout the pregnancy. In the past, it was traditional to deliver the baby about two weeks before full term. Presently, you can go full term but you will be asked to plan the date of the delivery rather than wait for you to go into labor. if your doctor has doubts about your baby’s well being, he may suggest early delivery or delivery by Cesarean section.

Diabetes should not pose any barriers to your chosen method of delivery, whether normal delivery os Cesarean section. Your doctor should be able to administer the insulin and glucose you need intravenously if necessary.