Anyone pregnant should be aware of necessary adjustments to their lifestyle during their pregnancy with diabetic condition. A common problem of pregnancy with diabetic conditions that have not been properly managed is known as “macrosomia”. The word means large body. Babies of women who went thru pregnancy with diabetic conditions not properly controlled are more likely to have unusually large babies.
When the blood sugar is not controlled and becomes too high, some of this excess sugar seeps through the placenta and reaches the baby. The baby’s pancreas reacts to this higher sugar level by producing more insulin to try to use up the sugar. The extra sugar is then turned into fat, making the baby larger than it would have otherwise been. An entire pregnancy with diabetic conditions uncontrolled will likely result in a baby so large it will have to be delivered by cesarean section. This should be avoided if possible, but may be necessary.
Insulin during Pregnancy
Especially with a pregnancy with diabetic type 2, insulin dosage will need to be adjusted. Your doctor will need to advise you on this but in most cases, insulin dosages are adjusted higher, particularly during the final trimester. If you are on oral medications, your doctor may ask you to switch to insulin during the pregnancy. With diabetic patients on oral medications, the risk is the unknown effects of these medicines on the baby. Insulin is better understood and often offers more consistent blood sugar control. You will likely be able to return to your oral medications after delivering your baby.
Nutrition
Nutrition is always important during pregnancy. With diabetic conditions, the nutrition is even more important. Work with a professional to make sure your diet is causing positive changes in your blood sugar. You’ll need to adjust the diet to include more calories, but it’s important those calories come from the right foods.
Controlling Blood Sugar during Labor and Delivery
OK, you’ve gotten thru your pregnancy with diabetic condition successfully and are ready for delivery. This is a crucial and stressful time of the process. If you have been given insulin during your pregnancy, you may be given insulin either intravenously or by injection when you begin going into labor. But the insulin you require will drop rapidly right after you deliver. Make sure the delivering doctor is aware of your diabetes if it is not your regular doctor. The medical staff is prepared to deal with diabetic delivery, but it is your responsibility to make them aware of it. Hopefully, you have managed your pregnancy and your diabetes and you will soon be going home with a healthy new family member.
