The 411 on Gestational Diabetes
For an expectant mother, terms like gestational diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and macrosomia can be just as frightening as they are confusing.
Managing a pregnancy with Type 1 or 2 diabetes
Managing a pregnancy with Type 1 or 2 diabetes may be challenging, but your Diabetes Education team at Desert Perinatal Associates will create an individualized care plan with you that will promote the best pregnancy outcome.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas does not make a hormone called insulin. Insulin allows the glucose (sugars) that come from the food that we eat to enter the cells to produce energy.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are affected during pregnancy as pregnancy increases insulin requirements while making the body more insulin resistant.
Our team of Certified Diabetes Educators will work with you to create a custom pregnancy care plan.
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of certain fetal outcomes during pregnancy such as:
- birth defects
- miscarriage
- premature delivery (delivery before 37 weeks)
- macrosomia (a baby larger than 9 pounds)
- respiratory distress syndrome
- jaundice for an extended period
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of certain maternal conditions such as:
- preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and large amounts of protein in the urine.)
- infections
- increased diabetes-related eye and kidney problems
- difficulty in delivery and possible cesarean section
Increasing your chances
It’s challenging to get pregnant under any circumstances and managing a pregnancy with diabetes can present additional considerations. The best approach is to be prepared and take a few additional steps before actively trying to get pregnant.
- Schedule pre-pregnancy counseling to help you shape the proper mindset and create an appropriate plan for optimal glucose control before pregnancy.
- Schedule a pre-pregnancy exam
- Complete recommended A1C test and other screenings including, but not limited to blood and urine tests, heart and kidney tests, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
- Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine before getting pregnant
Managing Diabetes during pregnancy
Desert Perinatal Associates has two Certified Diabetes Educators on staff. They work closely with your doctors and partner with you, using one-on-one appointments and on-going support to create an individualized pregnancy and diabetes plan that will promote the best pregnancy outcome for you and your Wbaby. Don’t wait, if you have questions or concerns we are always here to help, call (702) 341-6610 today to schedule an appointment.
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