Preexisting Diabetes & Risks

About 1% of women of childbearing age have diabetes. At one time diabetes posed a major health risk to the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Today, however, more is known about diabetes and how to control it, so pregnancy is safer for most diabetic women.

The outlook for diabetic pregnancies gets better each day. It has improved to the point where the risks for a diabetic pregnancy are almost as low as those for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy. The degree of risk posted by diabetes is directly related to how well the condition is controlled before and during pregnancy. Ideally, the diabetes should be diagnosed and brought under control before pregnancy, and then carefully monitored to keep blood glucose levels as normal as possible. With careful planning, control of diabetes, and expert care, the chances for a successful pregnancy-a healthy baby and mother-are very good.

Risks:

Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be effectively treated, and there is less risk to the fetus when the condition is under control and during pregnancy. Women who have diabetes when they become pregnant should receive early care to help lower these risks:

Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, can require the baby to be delivered early or can slow its growth while in the uterus.

Hydramnios (too much amniotic fluid in the sac surrounding the fetus) can make it difficult for the mother to breathe and may also result in premature labor and delivery.

Macrosomia (a larger-than-normal baby) occurs in less severe cases and can make delivery difficult.

Birth defects are more common in babies of diabetic mothers, especially if the diabetes is not well controlled.

Miscarriage occurs more often in diabetic women, especially if the condition is not under control.

Respiratory distress syndrome may affect the baby’s ability to breathe because the lings are not fully developed.

Stillbirth, although uncommon, also occurs more often in babies of diabetic mothers.