Diabetics who are pregnant should takeppay attention to health and rate blood sugar more regularly. There is no need to worry about the health of mothers and children, if these tips for pregnant women with diabetes are applied.
Pregnancy has become a challenge for expectant mothers. Especially if the mother-to-be has diabetes, be it type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Apart from having to deal with changes in the body, pregnant women with diabetes must also be careful in monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels.
How to Maintain Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
It is important for pregnant women with diabetes to maintain and control blood sugar well, thereby increasing the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.
In addition, controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is also very influential in reducing the incidence of other problems due to diabetes. Here are some tips for pregnant women in maintaining blood sugar so that pregnancy remains smooth:
- Before getting pregnant, consult with your doctor first to check the effects of diabetes on the body, get advice on how to maintain blood sugar, change medications if necessary, and other recommendations.
- When you are pregnant, try to consult a doctor, starting from an obstetrician, nutritionist, and specialist. Pregnant women with diabetes should consult a doctor more often to prevent or detect problems early.
- Pregnancy check-up or antenatal care, including ultrasound and blood tests, may be needed to monitor the growth and development of the fetus.
- Regularly check the body's blood sugar levels. Pregnancy makes the body need more energy, blood sugar levels can change very quickly. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to check their blood sugar levels frequently.
- Take medication or insulin as directed by your doctor. Don't forget to be prepared for quick sugar sources such as sweet candy, if at any time your blood sugar drops too fast.
- It is recommended to adopt a healthy diet. The doctor will give advice to regulate the food and drinks consumed to prevent high or low blood sugar levels. For example, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, non-fat dairy products, nuts, fish, and foods that contain folic acid. Tips for pregnant women with diabetes on this one is very important to maintain the stability of blood sugar levels.
- Exercise while pregnant for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. However, you should first consult with your doctor to determine the type and intensity of exercise that is appropriate.
Possible Complications in Pregnant Women with Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can cause various complications for the mother and baby in the womb. These complications include the following:
- The size of the baby's body in the womb is larger than it should be (macrosomia), can make it difficult to give birth normally. Pregnant women also have to be induced or give birth by caesarean section.
- Right after delivery, the baby's blood sugar level will likely be very low.
- The level of calcium and magnesium in the baby's body may be out of balance.
- Affects the formation of the baby's organs in the womb, causing defects in the brain, spine, heart, and nervous system.
- Miscarriage
- Babies are born prematurely or die in the womb.
- The baby has health problems soon after birth, such as heart problems or
- Babies are at risk of developing obesity or diabetes later in life.
In addition, other complications that can occur are preeclampsia, which can cause seizures or strokes in pregnant women.
Therefore, it is important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy, in order to stay healthy, and the delivery process can run smoothly. Consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
