Pregnancy Despite Diabetes

Filed in archive Medical Issues on December 24, 2007

Is it ok to have a baby despite having diabetes? The pregnancy would be more risky, and would require more Diligence, but yes, it's possible! The crucial point is to plan the pregnancy and prepare your body for it.

Blood sugar spikes or continuously high blood sugar levels can harm a developing fetus. The risk for birth defects is highest during the first three months of pregnancy, when many women don't yet know they are pregnant.

Outside of birth defects, the most common negative result of uncontrolled sugars in a diabetic pregnancy is a fat baby, Damron said.

Delivering a big baby has its own complications, including those that accompany Caesarian births. But there are other inherent risks, too.

"It may increase the risk of childhood or adult obesity," Damron said.

Large babies have more fat cells, and fat cells don't go away.

If you have diabetes and are planning to get pregnant, here are some references which might help:

• Diabetes & Pregnancy: What to Expect


• 101 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy with Diabetes