How Diabetes During Pregnancy Affects Baby and Mother

If you’re pregnant (or planning to be) and have been told you have gestational diabetes or you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering, what does this mean for me and my baby? Well, grab a comfy seat because we’re about to break it all down in plain terms.

The truth is, diabetes during pregnancy is common—but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The good news? With the right steps, you can manage it and have a healthy pregnancy. So, let’s get into it—what happens to you and your baby when your blood sugar levels are running high, and what can you do to keep things on track?

What Exactly is Diabetes During Pregnancy?

Alright, first things first—two kinds of diabetes can happen during pregnancy

1. Gestational Diabetes

This is when you develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, even if you didn’t have diabetes before. It usually goes away after birth, but it can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes later.

2. Preexisting Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)

If you already had diabetes before getting pregnant, you’ll need to be extra careful about blood sugar control since pregnancy can make it harder to manage. 

Either way, high blood sugar levels can affect both you and your baby, but don’t worry—there are ways to handle it!

How Diabetes Affects YOU (The Mom-to-Be)

1. You’re More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia)

Dr. Emily Jacobs, an OB-GYN, explains, “Women with diabetes during pregnancy should closely monitor their blood pressure. Keeping sugar levels stable can lower the risk of preeclampsia and other complications.”

Doctors warn that gestational diabetes increases your risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure, swelling, and possible organ damage. If left unchecked, it can be dangerous for both the mom and the baby.

2. Higher Chances of a C-Section

Because babies of moms with diabetes tend to be larger (we’ll get to why in a second), you might have a harder time delivering the baby vaginally. Many doctors recommend a C-section if the baby is too big to fit through the birth canal safely.

3. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Later

Even if gestational diabetes goes away after birth, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook forever. Studies show that nearly 50% of women who have gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to Dr. Sarah Mitchell, an endocrinologist, “Women who have gestational diabetes should continue monitoring their blood sugar postpartum. Making long-term lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

After your baby is born, don’t forget about your own health! Keep up with healthy eating and regular checkups.

How Diabetes Affects Your Baby

1. Bigger Babies (Macrosomia)

Dr. Anna Peters, a pediatrician, explains: “Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes often grow larger because of excess glucose. Managing sugar levels helps reduce the risk of complications at birth.”

Ever heard of macrosomia? It’s a fancy word for really big babies. When your blood sugar is high, your baby gets extra glucose, and their body stores it as fat. This can result in higher risk of shoulder injuries during birth.

2. Low Blood Sugar at Birth (Neonatal Hypoglycemia)

Here’s the ironic part: your baby gets used to all that extra sugar in the womb, so once they’re born, their own insulin production goes into overdrive. That can make their blood sugar drop too low after birth, which may require special monitoring or even IV glucose in the hospital.

3. Breathing Problems (Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

If diabetes leads to preterm birth, your baby’s lungs may not be fully developed, making it harder for them to breathe after birth. This is called Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).

4. Higher Risk of Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Unfortunately, babies born to mothers with diabetes have a greater chance of becoming overweight or developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s like they start with a sugar imbalance from the very beginning.

How to Keep Blood Sugar in Check During Pregnancy

Okay, so we’ve covered the risks. But now for the good news: You can manage diabetes during pregnancy and have a healthy baby! Here’s how:

• Stick to a balanced nutrition with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to prevent sugar spikes.
• A 30-minute walk after meals can help lower blood sugar naturally.
• Keep track of your glucose numbers and adjust your diet as needed.
• Whether it’s insulin, medication, or diet control, follow medical advice for the safest pregnancy possible.

If you have diabetes during pregnancy, don’t panic—you’re not alone, and there’s so much you can do to keep both you and your baby healthy. The key is early detection, proper management, and lifestyle changes that last beyond pregnancy.

Your baby’s health starts with how well you care for yourself now, so take charge, make informed choices, and trust that you’re doing your best. You got this, mama!