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Can women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a healthy pregnancy? " � Most women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (sometimes called "diabetes mellitus " �) can have a healthy pregnancy. But its important for women with diabetes to get their blood sugar levels under control. Women whose blood sugar levels are under control are less likely to have problems during pregnancy. Women with high blood sugar levels are more likely to have problems during pregnancy. � �
What problems can be caused by high blood sugar levels? " � High blood sugar levels can cause problems throughout pregnancy: � �
- Early on, high blood sugar levels can increase the chance that a woman has a miscarriage. A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own.
- High blood sugar levels early on can also increase the chance that a baby will be born with a birth defect, such as a spine or heart problem.
- Later on, high blood sugar levels can increase the chance that a baby gets too big (heavier than 9 pounds). That is a problem, because a big baby can get hurt if it cannot easily fit through the vagina. A big baby can also damage its mother's body during a vaginal delivery. Sometimes, the mother has to have a c-section (surgery to get the baby out).
What doctors will take care of me during pregnancy? " � Different doctors will take care of you during pregnancy. One doctor will take care of your pregnancy. This doctor might also be able to take care of your diabetes. If not, you will see your diabetes doctor or nurse during pregnancy. He or she will: � �
- Tell you what your blood sugar levels should be and how often to check them " � Many women need to check their blood sugar levels every day before and after meals.
- Help you make changes to your diet and medicines so that your blood sugar levels stay under control
Why might my diabetes medicines need to be changed? " � Your diabetes medicines might need to be changed because: � �
- Women who take insulin might need more insulin during pregnancy.
- Some diabetes pills are not safe to take during pregnancy. Women who take these pills need to start using insulin or take a different pill during pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you which medicine is right for you.
- Women who don't already take medicine for their diabetes might need to start taking a diabetes medicine during pregnancy.
How else might pregnancy affect me? " � Sometimes, pregnancy worsens the eye and kidney problems that people with diabetes can get. Pregnancy can also make high blood pressure worse. Your doctor will check you for these problems by: � �
- Doing blood and urine tests to check your kidneys
- Doing eye exams
- Checking your blood pressure at each visit
Can I have a normal vaginal delivery? " � Chances are good that you will have a normal vaginal delivery. But women with diabetes are more likely to have a c-section than women without diabetes. � �
Will my baby be healthy? " � If your blood sugar levels have been under control, chances are good that your baby will be healthy. But your baby's doctor will keep a close eye on your baby. That's because babies whose mothers have diabetes can have problems, including low blood sugar or breathing problems. Most of these problems go away on their own within 1 to 2 days. � �
What if I am thinking about getting pregnant? " � If you are thinking about getting pregnant and have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor or nurse before you get pregnant. He or she can: � �
- Help you get your blood sugar levels under control
- Make changes to your medicines, if they need to be changed
- Treat any medical problems you have
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15731 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
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