Diabetes pregnancy complications. Diabetes is a medical problem that can have serious effects during pregnancy. Historically, women with diabetes have had problems with pregnancy, but with good control, a diabetic woman today is usually able to have a healthy pregnancy. If you have diabetes, it may be harder for you to become pregnant. Diabetes pregnancy complications can also increase the chance of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects. These risks can be decreased by good control of blood sugar during pregnancy. If your diabetes is not controlled, the combination of pregnancy and diabetes can be dangerous for you and your baby. Many of the problems and damage caused by diabetes occur during the first trimester (the first 13 weeks of pregnancy); poor control, however, can affect the entire pregnancy. Pregnancy may affect diabetes by increasing your body's need for insulin. Insulin makes it possible for the body to use sugar. Most doctors recommend you have diabetes under good control for at least 2 to 3 months before pregnancy begins. Having your diabetes under control may require checking your blood sugar several times a day. If you have a family history of diabetes or suspect you might have diabetes, have it checked before getting pregnant. This will help you lower your risks of miscarriage and other problems. If you haven't had diabetes before and develop it during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. (See Week 23.)
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