Having Diabetes Before or During Pregnancy Can Lead to Risks for Mom and Baby

In the U.S., one in nine women has diabetes, and six percent of women who gave birth developed gestational diabetes during their pregnancy, according to a recent report from the National Institutes of Health.

During pregnancy, controlling your blood glucose becomes more difficult — and more important. The extra risk of high blood glucose means extra risk for the mother and their developing baby.

“Having diabetes during pregnancy can lead to increased risks or complications for a mom or her baby,” explained Ibrahim Hammad, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Intermountain Health. “When pregnant moms have diabetes, it can lead to a higher risk of complications during pregnancy or delivery, such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean delivery or other delivery complications since their babies are more likely to have a larger than normal birthweight.”

Babies of women with diabetes have an increased risk of birth defects and even death during the pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth). After birth, babies of women with diabetes are more likely to have jaundice, low blood glucose, and trouble breathing.

Gestational Diabetes: Some women who have never had diabetes before may develop diabetes during pregnancy or what’s called gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes has no symptoms, so it’s important to complete a glucose screening test, which doctors or midwives generally recommend for all pregnant patients between 24-28 weeks. Women who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Plan Ahead: A planned pregnancy is safest, especially for women with diabetes.

“By planning your pregnancy, preparing your body, and controlling your blood glucose, you can lower risks almost to the same level as a woman without diabetes,” explained Dr. Hammad.

“For patients with diabetes, the cornerstone to improve the outcome of their pregnancy and decrease the risks associated with diabetes is to prepare for pregnancy by optimizing glucose levels to an A1c of less than 6.9%, ideally less than 6.5%. This will give you the best foundation for a healthy pregnancy and baby.”

If women talk to their diabetes and obstetric providers early – ideally before they become pregnant – their medical team can help them gain better control of their blood glucose, review medications to ensure safety during pregnancy and provide advice on other good preconception care, such a taking a daily vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid.

When women start their prenatal visits early in their pregnancy and keep all their prenatal appointments, they can increase their chance of a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby and reduce the risk of complications.

For more information about diabetes and pregnancy or to find a doctor, visit intermountainhealthcare.org.