There have been a lot of research and studies that have advanced the effective diagnosis and treatment of diabetes over the years. One of the more complicated situations where one with diabetes has to carefully take extra care of the disease is pregnancy. Diabetes involves the body not being able to convert glucose into energy vital for bodily functions because of either not being able to produce enough or utilize insulin, the hormone that functions in the breakdown of glucose. Because of this, pregnant women with inadequate care of their diabetic conditions not only put themselves at greater risks of the complications but also risk giving birth to babies with defects.
Out of 100 women in their childbearing age, at least 1 has diabetes. Medical professionals used to recommend not having pregnancy for women with diabetes but with the advances in medical science, women can now have the joy of pregnancy and motherhood even in diabetic conditions.
Before Pregnancy
It is very important that women with pre-existing conditions of diabetes to take extra care, planning, and control before deciding for a pregnancy. Diabetes experts recommend at least three to six months before pregnancy that extra control on blood sugar levels is done. A woman with diabetes needs to consult the following medical experts prior to deciding on pregnancy: a diabetes-trained doctor, who has experienced handling pregnant women with diabetes, an obstetrician who has a background in high-risk pregnancies, a pediatrician or neonatologist who can handle and treat diabetes-caused problems that might afflict the baby after birth, and a dietician who has special background on diabetes education who will manage the nutrition and diet as the pregnancy progresses.
During Pregnancy
Although the continuing intake of regular oral anti-diabetic medications was found to be safe during pregnancy, there are some that have to be changed. One is blood pressure medication, which can be very dangerous to the fetus especially during the first trimester when the vital organs are still being developed.
Proper nutrition and insulin ingestion is of course of high importance for diabetic pregnant women. A strict dietary plan, which of course includes balanced and proper food intake (includes daily calorie and carbohydrates level), also entails the timing of eating. The insulin treatment will also have to change especially during the last few months of pregnancy when insulin needs will increase.
Proper exercise regimen will also have to taken into major consideration during pregnancy especially for women with type 2 diabetes. This will help enhance the body's response to insulin. Those with type 1 diabetes may do a stricter regimen prior to the pregnancy.
Women with diabetes can still enjoy themselves and live normal lives during pregnancy just as pregnant women without diabetes would as long as they religiously follow their diabetes care regimen. With a strictly carried out diabetes regimen during pregnancy, a pregnant women can look forward to that long awaited and exciting day of delivery.
Delivery and After Delivery
Although a pregnant woman with diabetes can still opt to have a normal delivery (vaginal) on the expected due date, most doctors would recommend inducing delivery a week or two prior to the due date using a caesarian section. This is to avoid possible delivery risks for both the mother and the baby. This would depend on the baby's condition before the expected delivery date such as size and position, lung maturity, movements, heart rate and the amount of amniotic fluid. It would also depend on the mother's general health and her blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
After the baby arrives, just as in any other cases, breastfeeding will be very essential to keep the baby healthy and well nourished. Of course the mother should continue to consult her dietician on the best and proper meal plan. Less insulin will also be recommended and diabetes pills will not ber recommended during the breastfeeding stage.
Indeed, becoming a mother is a life-changing event and this can never be denied even to a woman with diabetes. Thanks to the wonders of scientific advancements. The presence of a supportive and loving partner of course completes the arduous task of preparing for emotional and lifestyle changes and of going through pregnancy under diabetic conditions.
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