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How Diabetes Affects Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, change, and anticipation. If you’re also living with diabetes, you may wonder how it might affect your journey. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to highlight how diabetes can influence pregnancy — and, most importantly, how you can stay healthy and supported along the way.
At Nile Women’s Health Care in Roswell and Johns Creek, Georgia, our experienced team is here to walk with you through every step of pregnancy. By understanding the unique effects of diabetes on both mother and baby, you can feel empowered to take control of your health and look forward to this special season of life.
How diabetes can affect your body
During pregnancy, your body is on a hormonal roller coaster. Add in the unpredictability of diabetes, and you create a risky environment for you and your baby. Here’s what diabetes can do to your pregnant body:
1. Increased chance of pregnancy complications
The high blood sugar levels that come with diabetes land you squarely in the high-risk pregnancy category. Diabetes increases your risk for conditions like preeclampsia or the need for a C-section. That may sound intimidating, but with the right monitoring and care, these risks can be reduced significantly.
2. Extra strain on eyes, kidneys, and nerves
Pregnancy may put added pressure on areas already affected by diabetes, such as your eyes or kidneys. Regular check-ups help us catch any changes early so you can continue your pregnancy with peace of mind.
3. More complex blood sugar management
Hormones in pregnancy naturally raise blood sugar, which means you may need adjustments to your treatment plan. Frequent monitoring and small changes can make a big difference in keeping your numbers steady.
How diabetes can affect your baby
You’re not the only one who suffers the ill effects of diabetes. You’re baby is at risk for:
Larger birth size
When your blood sugar runs high, your baby can grow larger than average, which can make delivery more challenging. Careful blood sugar control helps keep growth on track.
Early delivery
Keeping blood sugar within your target range matters because uncontrolled diabetes increases the likelihood of a preterm birth, which can affect your baby’s development.
Developmental concerns
The early weeks of pregnancy are especially important. Blood sugar spikes during this time can slightly increase the risk of birth defects. The good news? With early planning and support, you can minimize these risks.
A word about gestational diabetes
Even women without type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If you already live with diabetes, your risk is higher, but gestational diabetes can happen to anyone. The key is regular screening, careful management, and teamwork between you and your providers to keep both you and your baby safe.
Managing diabetes during pregnancy
Managing diabetes while pregnant can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. The good news is that you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy with our help and support, which includes:
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels often, with trimester-specific targets
- Adjusting your medications or insulin as your hormones shift
- Eating balanced meals that keep blood sugar steady
- Staying active with safe, pregnancy-friendly movement
When your blood sugar is well managed, many of the risks linked to diabetes in pregnancy drop dramatically. At Nile Women’s Health Care, we help you create a personalized plan that works for your body, your baby, and your lifestyle.
Pregnancy with diabetes can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Call Nile Women’s Health Care in Roswell or Johns Creek, Georgia, today. Together, we’ll help you and your baby thrive — from the first heartbeat to delivery day.
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