Diabetes in Pregnancy

By controlling blood sugar before pregnancy, you reduce your risk for birth defects during pregnancy

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or have experienced gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, our maternal-fetal medicine specialists (physicians who specialize in complicated pregnancies) and registered dietitians can help you manage your blood sugar to help ensure that you deliver a healthy baby.

Before Becoming Pregnant

To prevent birth defects, you must get your blood sugar under control at least three months before you become pregnant. During pregnancy blood sugar and ketones (produced when the body breaks down fat) pass through the placenta to the baby. In large amounts, they can cause heart defects, spina bifida (an exposed spinal cord), deafness and physical defects, especially when present during the first few weeks of organ growth. About 8-10 percent of babies born to women with diabetes have birth defects, compared to 2-3 percent for mothers who do not have diabetes.

To manage your blood sugar, your maternal-fetal medicine specialist may recommend regular exercise, a specific diet and insulin if you need it. Talk to your endocrinologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist about the benefits of an insulin pump, which may help you control your blood sugar.

During Pregnancy

In addition to preconception counseling, maternal-fetal medicine specialists can help you manage type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. After the first trimester, high blood sugar usually does not lead to birth defects; but it can cause the baby to grow too quickly, which can complicate childbirth. We work with you to control your blood sugar and guide you on how to take good care of yourself and your baby.

This page last updated 7/26/10 03:19 PM