Diabetes and Pregnancy - A Major Concern

Becoming a mother is the biggest happiness for any woman. As a mother you want the best for your child and want to save him from all possible problems. However, pregnancy is a major concern for women suffering with diabetes. Will my child inherit diabetes? Is there a relation between diabetes and pregnancy? These are some of the questions diabetic women and their families get worried about.

About 1 in 100 women suffer from diabetes before pregnancy. Diabetes and pregnancy indicates an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects in the new born babies. However, with the growing advancements in medical science, health care providers no longer consider diabetes and pregnancy a critical problem.

Diabetes and Pregnancy - The Risks Involved

American Association for Diabetes talks about two kinds of diabetes - Type I and Type II. Type I or Juvenile diabetes affects children and adolescents while Type II occurs in middle-aged and obese people. But there is a third kind of diabetes as well known as Gestational diabetes. This also is glucose intolerance like other forms of diabetes but it develops during pregnancy.

A woman suffering with gestational diabetes will experience an abnormal increase in weight. The reason for this is the increase in fetal urination caused by the high level of glucose in the body. This type of diabetes is detected in the later stages of pregnancy and becomes normal after child birth. Studies reveal that about 40% of such women run the risk of developing type II diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is very rare. Obesity, older age, family history of diabetes, miscarriage and previous baby being overweight are some factors that can increase the risk of such diabetes.

Precaution & Safety Measures

Diabetes and pregnancy can be a difficult condition to deal with. It is very important to discuss all aspects with your doctor and control your diabetes in order to give birth to a healthy child. Keeping your weight under control is the most important aspect. Obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes. A tight control of glucose might also result in hypoglycemia or low glucose level in blood. This can create problems for a pregnant woman. Thus, make sure your diet includes the right amount of carbohydrates too. Exercising helps in controlling diabetes but it should be done under the guidance of a professional trainer.

Finally following a specific diabetes control plan that includes a right diet, exercise regime and balanced blood sugar level will make your pregnancy free of complications. Following a healthy life style will ensure that you give birth to a normal and healthy baby.

Bookmark to: