There is a natural fear in diabetic women related to pregnancy.  They worry lest their child be born with diabetes or other birth defects.

Most babies born to diabetic mothers don’t have birth defects.  The problem arises if the mother has high glucose levels during the course of her pregnancy.  High glucose levels in the mother, especially in the early stages of pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby.

Research shows that for pregnant women with less control over diabetes, there is a risk of about 10% for the baby to be born with defects, and for women with absolutely no control, the risk doubles.

The birth defects of such babies can be in the heart, spinal cord – spina bifida, skeletal system, urinary system, digestive system or reproductive system.  One of the most common problems these babies suffer from is jaundice at birth, breathing difficulty or even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

As far as the safety of pregnant women goes, there is a possibility of stillbirth or miscarriage.  Most women also suffer from pre-eclampsia, which is a condition characterized by bloating, high blood pressure and urinary protein. They may also have polyhydramnios, where there is too much amniotic fluid or even a preterm birth.

Doctors say that diabetic mothers have been seen to have larger babies, due to which they usually require a cesarean section.

For women with gestational diabetes, where they did not have diabetes before the pregnancy, it is easier to control blood glucose levels through proper diet.  This form of diabetes is usually seen in the second trimester and by then the body of the baby is formed, so there are less chances of delivering a baby with birth defects.  But in very rare cases, this diabetes starts earlier, in the first trimester, which leads to increased risk for the baby.

Although, all this may sound complicated and scary, you must understand that with proper care, diabetes can be controlled during pregnancy, ensuring good health for both the mother and baby.  Towards this end, it becomes important for the pregnant woman to get herself checked as soon as she comes to know of the pregnancy.  Women with an existing diabetic condition should think of conceiving only after full control has been achieved over their diabetes.