Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most beautiful time in a couple’s lives and a very satisfying period in the mother’s life. If the mother has a condition like diabetes, pregnancy can be difficult without knowledge and adequate care. Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy can be troublesome if not the mother does not control her blood sugar levels considerably well.
During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes a number of changes as it nurtures the developing baby. Rest, nutrition, physical activity and energy are required in ample proportions to see her through successfully. Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy make the blood sugar changes in the body fluctuate very quickly and too often which leads to the worsening of diabetic symptoms and problems. Some of the problems that could arise when a woman is experiencing type 1 diabetes and pregnancy simultaneously are discussed here:
• Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy makes the blood sugar levels go out of control which in turn leads to high blood pressure in the mother. This means more frequent visits to the doctor.
• High blood pressure in the mother could lead to a premature delivery of the baby. It could also lead to seizures or a stroke in the mother during delivery or labor. The stroke could mean a blood clot in the brain which could lead to brain damage.
• In some cases the out of control blood sugar during type 1 diabetes and pregnancy can result in large amounts of amniotic fluid around the baby. This could lead to preterm labor as well.
• Since type 1 diabetes and pregnancy increase the blood sugar levels very high, these get to the baby through the placenta as well. This uncontrolled diabetes can result in the baby growing very large causing discomfort to the mother in the last stages of pregnancy. During delivery this could pose a threat both to the baby and mother often resulting in a cesarean section delivery.
Though when controlled and kept under check type 1 diabetes and pregnancy can go hand in hand; uncontrolled diabetes could cause the baby to have birth defects, born preterm, miscarry, have low birth weight or be stillborn. Since the babies organs are formed within the first two months of pregnancy when the mother is usually not even aware that she is pregnant; uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and diabetes could cause serious defects of the spine, brain and heart or result in miscarriage.
In order to prevent problems arising from an uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and pregnancy for the mother as well as the child, follow these advices:
• You need to ready to your body for a pregnancy. Make an extra effort to have planned pregnancy to avoid unknown harm to your developing baby in the first few weeks when their organs form.
• Visit your physician before planning a pregnancy. Your doctor can check the damage your body has already suffered due to diabetes and change medications and plan follow-ups. All the usual steps to planning a pregnancy like taking folic acid, eating right and exercising, avoiding stress, alcohol and smoking need to be discussed.
• Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy means you need to follow a strict meal plan. In order to control the blood sugar, if you are overweight, you will be required to loose some weight. A dietician can provide you with a food chart so you can maintain sugar levels and weight during pregnancy too.
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