If you are pregnant and living with diabetes, or you have been told you have gestational diabetes, you will find this guide useful. It explains how higher blood sugar can affect your baby, which tests help keep you both safe, and everyday steps that make a real difference.
Why diabetes in pregnancy needs extra care
Finding out you are pregnant is exciting, yet it can feel daunting when diabetes is part of the picture. Pregnancy changes the way your body uses insulin, and that can raise blood sugar more easily. With the right plan, most parents move through pregnancy safely. Your team will focus on steady glucose, regular check-ups, and simple habits that support your baby’s development and your wellbeing.
How high blood sugar can affect a growing baby
Your blood sugar crosses the placenta, so sustained high levels can affect growth and development. The risks are not the same for everyone, and good glucose control lowers them, yet it helps to know the common concerns.
During pregnancy and at birth
- Large for gestational age, which can make labour and birth more difficult.
- Preterm birth if you or your baby are not doing well.
- Low blood sugar in the newborn, because baby’s pancreas has been producing extra insulin in the womb.
- Breathing difficulties and jaundice, which may need short term care.
- Birth injuries, more likely if baby is very large.
When diabetes is present before pregnancy
If blood sugar is high around conception and in the first weeks, there is a higher chance of congenital anomalies such as heart or neural tube problems. Preconception planning, folic acid, medication review, and early glucose control help to reduce this risk.
Longer term signals
Children exposed to high glucose in the womb have a higher chance of childhood obesity and insulin resistance later in life. This is a signal, not a certainty. Healthy family habits and regular check-ups after birth help protect long term wellbeing.
Your care plan, what to expect
Your clinician will personalise your plan based on your history, current glucose control, and scan findings.
Early and ongoing screening
- Early glucose testing if you have risk factors, with repeat screening at 24 to 28 weeks.
- Regular ultrasound to monitor growth, amniotic fluid, and placental health when needed.
- Blood pressure checks at each visit, since diabetes and high blood pressure can appear together in pregnancy.
Targets and treatment
- Home glucose monitoring, with clear targets for fasting and after meals.
- Nutrition and movement, first line care for most people.
- Medication when needed, often insulin in pregnancy, adjusted to your numbers and stage.
- Extra support, including diabetes education, meal planning help, and mental health check ins if you feel overwhelmed.
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What you can do today
Small, steady actions add up and support your baby’s health.
- Build balanced meals, pair carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats, include vegetables and fibre at most meals.
- Move most days, even ten to twenty minutes of easy walking after meals can help your glucose.
- Stick to your testing plan, bring your numbers to each visit so your team can adjust care early.
- Sleep and stress routines, regular bedtimes and simple breathing or stretching lower stress hormones that can nudge glucose up.
- Oral health matters, keep dental visits and daily care, since gum disease can flare during pregnancy.
- Know when to call, contact your doctor if movements reduce, if you have severe headaches or visual changes, or if anything worries you.
After birth, what to expect
Your baby’s blood sugar will be checked soon after delivery, and extra feeds or short-term support may be needed. Breastfeeding, if you choose and are able, can help your glucose and your baby’s immunity. If you had gestational diabetes, book postpartum glucose testing. If you live with diabetes outside of pregnancy, your team will help you adjust medication and targets for the postnatal period.
Conclusion
Diabetes asks for more attention during pregnancy, yet with early screening, steady habits, and a responsive care team, most parents and babies do very well. If you would like tailored advice, you can find a healthcare provider at Intercare.
