All diabetic women will receive more appointments from both the clinic and scan.
You will be reviewed regularly throughout your pregnancy by the diabetic team.
If your blood glucose levels are not controlled within the targets set, you may:
- Need to have your labour induced
- Have a caesarean section
- Have a larger than normal baby (macrosomia), which could result in a more painful birth and possible stress for the baby
- Be 2 – 4 times more likely to be at risk of shoulder dystocia (difficulty in delivering the shoulders) causing either/or birth trauma to the brain and arm.
- Increased risk of your new-born having low blood glucose levels (neonatal hypoglycaemia)
- Perinatal death – your baby dying at around the time of the birth
- Your baby having a higher risk of being overweight or obese and/or developing type 2 diabetes in later life. As your child grows, managing their weight, eating healthily and being physically active will reduce this risk.
Controlling your levels of blood glucose during pregnancy and labour reduces the chances of these complications for you and your baby.