Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in the United States, and more women are entering pregnancy with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, is also on the rise, now affecting up to 14 percent of all pregnancies. While diabetes can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby, proper management can greatly reduce these risks. Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, is also increasingly common, affecting approximately 6–14% of pregnancies in the U.S., depending on diagnostic criteria
If you have diabetes and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your health and give your baby the best possible start.
Step 1: Find an Experienced Specialist
Not all healthcare providers have the same expertise when it comes to managing diabetes during pregnancy. Choosing a specialist who understands both maternal-fetal medicine and diabetes management can make a significant difference in outcomes.
During your initial visits, your care team will discuss how often you should come in for checkups. Women with diabetes often require more frequent monitoring to ensure both mother and baby are staying healthy. Your provider will review all current medications to confirm they are safe during pregnancy and make adjustments if needed. For those using insulin, dosage changes may be necessary as your pregnancy progresses. You will also receive guidance on what your glucose levels should be and how to maintain them, as well as recommendations for healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Step 2: Understand What Is Happening to Your Body
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar effectively. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make it even more difficult to maintain stable glucose levels. Without proper management, high blood sugar can lead to excessive glucose transfer to your baby, which can cause overgrowth and other complications.
When you understand how diabetes affects both you and your baby, you are better equipped to take steps to prevent problems. Keeping your blood sugar within the recommended range is essential for your baby’s growth and development, as well as for your own long-term health.
Step 3: Learn About Potential Complications
Diabetes in pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and baby if not managed carefully. For mothers, risks include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and the need for a cesarean delivery. Long-term, uncontrolled blood sugar can also contribute to kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart issues.
For babies, poorly managed diabetes can increase the risk of low blood sugar after birth, jaundice, breathing problems, birth defects, and larger-than-average size. These factors can affect delivery and sometimes require additional medical care after birth. There is also evidence that children born to mothers with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to develop obesity, diabetes, or other health challenges later in life.
While these risks can sound alarming, the good news is that with proper monitoring and treatment, many women with diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Step 4: Create a Healthy Environment for Your Baby
Everything you do during pregnancy plays a role in your baby’s development. This includes your diet, activity level, stress management, and daily routines. Working closely with your care team can help you make healthy choices and avoid potential risks.
