How to Plan a Pregnancy with Diabetes?
Despite the development of modern technologies and advances in various fields, unfortunately, some diseases remain challenging to combat—one of them being diabetes. Today, this condition affects not only children but also people of all ages, from young adults to the elderly.
Diabetes in women can be of two types: pregestational and gestational.
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Pregestational diabetes is the type diagnosed before pregnancy.
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Gestational diabetes is the one diagnosed after conception.
According to statistics, 10–12% of women have pregestational diabetes, while 88–90% have gestational diabetes.
Risks of Pregnancy with Pregestational Diabetes
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Diabetes diagnosed before conception poses a significant risk to both the mother’s and baby’s health.
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During the first months of pregnancy, blood sugar levels can rise significantly, increasing the chances of early miscarriage and later on, polyhydramnios, which can lead to premature birth.
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Uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to vascular complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and ischemic heart disease.
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Other common complications for diabetic pregnant women include preeclampsia (late toxicosis), ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia.
These complications can be avoided or their risks reduced if:
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The pregnancy is carefully planned,
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The woman follows both dietary and treatment regimens strictly.
The Child’s Risk of Inheriting Diabetes
When planning a pregnancy with diabetes, one should also consider the long-term risk of passing the disease to the child. This risk depends on whether the father has diabetes:
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If the mother has type 1 diabetes and the father is healthy, the risk of the child developing diabetes before age 20 is about 1%.
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If both parents have type 1 diabetes, the risk increases to 6%.
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If the mother has type 2 diabetes, the risk for the child increases significantly—ranging between 15% and 30%.
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If both parents have type 2 diabetes, the child’s risk rises to 60–70%.
Planning Pregnancy with Diabetes
Diabetes is not a joke. If a woman with diabetes wishes to become pregnant, she must prepare herself and her body. Asking the question, “Where do I start when planning a pregnancy?” is essential to avoid complications that could harm both her and the baby’s health.
For a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, several medical checks should be done:
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First, visit your doctor to confirm that your diabetes is under control. If it is, the doctor may approve stopping birth control.
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Check triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
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Assess for kidney complications related to diabetes.
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Gynecological consultation is also advisable.
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A healthy pregnancy is more likely if no signs of cataracts, retinopathy, or glaucoma are found.
Doctor Consultation During Pregnancy Planning
The most important step in planning pregnancy is consulting with a doctor. It helps prepare emotionally and physically.
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The doctor will first discuss the woman’s lifestyle. Alcohol and smoking must be stopped. Smoking increases heart rate and raises the risk of low birth weight, respiratory issues, and miscarriage.
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Weight should be close to ideal before pregnancy, as being overweight can lead to high blood pressure.
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Blood sugar must be regularly monitored. High blood sugar in the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal malformations.
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Begin taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid even before conception.
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A diet plan must be created in cooperation with the doctor to avoid blood sugar spikes or drops. The diet should include calorie-rich foods needed for the baby’s development.
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Diabetes must be continuously managed during pregnancy. Insulin needs will increase, especially between the 6th and 9th month, as insulin-dependent diabetes becomes a constant companion.