Diabetes and pregnancy

This article is about the effects of pre-existing diabetes upon pregnancy. For temporary diabetic symptoms as a complication of pregnancy, see Gestational diabetes.

For pregnant women with diabetes, some particular challenges exist for both mother and fetus. If the pregnant woman has diabetes as a pre-existing disorder, it can cause early labor, birth defects, and larger than average infants. Therefore, experts advise diabetics to maintain blood sugar level close to normal range about 3 months before planning for pregnancy.[1]

When type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus is pre-existing, planning in advance is emphasized if one wants to become pregnant, and stringent blood glucose control is needed before getting pregnant.[1]

  1. ^ a b "Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes | NIDDK". National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved 2020-10-29.