Risks of Being Pregnant and Diabetic

If you are pregnant and have diabetes, whether type 1, 2 or gestational diabetes, there are risks to you and your baby, according to Dr Abel Soh, Associate Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, SGH.

You may be at risk of: 

Ÿ having a large baby (weighing more than 4kg),
        which could mean a difficult delivery, or delivery
        by Caesarean section.
Ÿ having a miscarriage (if you have pre-existing
        diabetes) or a stillbirth.
Ÿ aggravating existing diabetes-related problems
        of the eyes and kidneys.
Ÿ developing high blood pressure and excess
        protein in the urine, a condition known as
        pre-eclampsia, in the later half of pregnancy.
Ÿ developing type 2 diabetes (two to three times more likely than other women) after pregnancy.

Your baby may be at risk of:

Ÿ suffering from congenital abnormalities, such as heart anomalies.
Ÿ having health problems shortly after birth, such as breathing difficulties, low blood sugar or low calcium
        levels.
Ÿ becoming overweight or obese and/or getting diabetes later in life.
Ÿ suffering physical injury during natural delivery (if the baby is large).