Diabetes and Pregnancy Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
A brief digest about this topic
About 2 million U.S. women of reproductive age have diabetes. This is a serious issue, because having high blood sugar -- particularly in the first six weeks of pregnancy -- puts the child at much higher risk of birth defects or complications. Doctors strongly recommend that women with diabetes become extra diligent before and after conception to keep blood-sugar levels stable. Women with diabetes who manage their condition have the same chance of a successful pregnancy as women without diabetes. Only 1 in 25 women develop diabetes during pregnancy (called gestational diabetes). It is managed like other forms of diabetes, and can be well controlled through lifestyle choices and medicine.
Fast Facts:- High blood sugar in early pregnancy increases risk for birth defects to 30 to 40%. Healthy blood sugar reduces risks close to that of a woman without diabetes.
- Uncontrolled diabetes also raises odds for a high birth-weight baby, delivery problems, premature birth and dangerously high blood pressure for moms.
- Gestational diabetes usually develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, but earlier checks may be better, especially for women at high risk.
- A healthy diet, exercise, daily blood-sugar checks and medication, if needed, keeps sugar levels in control during pregnancy, reducing risk for complications.
- Got diabetes? See your diabetes provider every 1 to 4 weeks during pregnancy, check your blood sugar regularly and get an A1c test every 4 to 8 weeks.
Education Pamphlet - Diabetes and Pregnancy
acog.org — “ACOG is a nonprofit organization of women's health care physicians advocating highest standards of practice, continuing member education and public awareness of women's health care issues.” View full resource at acog.org
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