Diabetes and pregnancy: planning a healthy future

Babies born to mothers with diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease, but there are lifestyle changes moms can make to lower the risk. Diabetes educator Annie Reed shares tips on how to best navigate a healthy pregnancy.

Transcript

00:00

Will my baby need special treatment if I have diabetes?

00:07

A baby is more likely to have healthy blood sugars at birth when the mom's blood sugar levels are within the target range.

00:13

To be on the safe side, your doctor will likely check the baby's blood sugar within the first few hours after delivery.

00:20

When you're discussing your birth plan with your doctor, ask about the steps you can take to prevent your baby from having low blood sugar

00:27

and what to expect while you're in the hospital. If I have diabetes, will my baby get diabetes?

00:34

ANNIE REED: Babies of mothers who have diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, but this risk

00:41

is lowered when the pregnant mom incorporates healthy nutrition for herself and her baby, gains an appropriate amount

00:48

of weight, and aims to keep blood sugar levels in their target range. What can I expect after I bring my baby home?

00:56

Most women with diabetes will find that their blood sugar and insulin needs return to pre-pregnancy levels a few days

01:02

after delivery. Not only will you need to continue to closely monitor blood sugar levels, but also, you'll

01:09

need to work with your doctor to adjust medication regimen. What are the best things that I can do to ensure that my baby gets a healthy start in life?

01:18

Since taking care of yourself is not always easy, visiting your healthcare provider, diabetes educator, or dietitian to go over your care plan

01:26

a few weeks after you deliver is an important step in taking good care of your baby and yourself.

01:32

Also, if you decide to, breastfeeding may help protect your baby from certain health conditions later in life, including diabetes and obesity.

01:41

And it can also help you lose some of the weight you gained during your pregnancy. [MUSIC PLAYING]