Why does diabetes need special care during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a natural but also complex process, especially for women who are living with diabetes. During pregnancy, the mother's body experiences major changes in hormones, affecting the way insulin works, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. This change makes it more difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
According to Dr. Ankush Raut, Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Apollo Fertility, Mumbai (India), if blood sugar is not well controlled during pregnancy, the risk of complications will increase. These risks may include premature birth, a large fetus (macrosomia), miscarriage, birth defects or respiratory problems in infants. In addition, mothers are also susceptible to high blood pressure, preeclampsia or kidney complications.
Therefore, Dr. Raut emphasizes that women with diabetes should plan their pregnancy carefully, control blood sugar before conception and maintain it regularly throughout pregnancy. Close medical monitoring, combining hormonal doctors, obstetrics and nutrition, is a key factor in helping mothers and babies stay healthy.
Tips to help women with diabetes get pregnant healthily
Pre-pregnant planning: Control blood sugar stably 36 months before conception. Discuss with your endocrinologist and obstetrician to adjust your medication and supplement folic acid early to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Strictly control blood sugar: Regularly monitor with a measuring device or CGM system, maintain fasting blood sugar below 95 mg/dL and below 120140 mg/dL after eating. Early control helps prevent affecting fetal development.
Eat smartly: Prioritize foods rich in fiber, lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats such as oats, fish, beans, nuts, olive oil. Divide meals, maintain a steady diet throughout the day and limit sweets, sugary drinks and processed foods.
Gentle exercise: Maintaining activities such as walking, yoga or light swimming helps stabilize blood sugar and control weight. Check your blood sugar before and after exercising, and avoid overexertion to ensure safety.
Regular health monitoring: Check blood pressure, kidney function, vision and perform regular fetal ultrasound; closely coordinate with hormonologists and obstetricians to ensure a safe pregnancy.
