Diabetes and Pregnancy Essay Example

note that during this critical period, many women may not even be aware they are pregnant. For diabetic women or any woman planning to get pregnant, it is essential to plan ahead. If you have diabetes and do not already prioritize good diabetes control regularly, it is time to shift your focus. Patients with existing diabetes need intensive insulin therapy before conception and throughout pregnancy. Monitoring glucose levels allows for achieving nearly normal glucose levels during pregnancy (Pasui, K. 273). Women should aim for optimal blood glucose control three to six months before deciding to become pregnant.

Good diabetes control and care have significantly reduced the chances of stillbirth, which used to be more common among women with diabetes. Additionally, babies born to women with diabetes are even more likely to experience jaundice, a common issue characterized by yellowing of the skin due to waste product buildup. Before birth, the baby needs a large supply of red blood cells; however, after birth, the baby's liver breaks down and eliminates unnecessary old red blood cells. If the baby's liver is not fully developed, it may struggle to efficiently perform this task.

The yellowing of the skin is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a substance derived from the breakdown of red blood cells. Instead of being expelled, bilirubin builds up in the baby's tissues. Treatment for jaundice typically involves using special lights called phototherapy to break down and eliminate bilirubin. In some cases, exchange transfusions may be needed as an alternative method (Hollingsworth, D.R. 266). However, excessively high levels of bilirubin can have harmful effects. Although rare, there are situations where a baby may require a blood transfusion.

Managing

diabetes during pregnancy requires a significant dedication of time and money for women. This involves attending extra medical appointments, undergoing specialized tests, regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, and administering more insulin injections each day. Additionally, taking additional time off from work may be necessary. Based on the woman's health condition, the obstetrician might recommend reducing working hours or ceasing work entirely towards the end of pregnancy. It is crucial for both partners to acknowledge these factors and engage in open discussions about their potential effects on finances and lifestyle.

Bibliography:

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Works Cited

Books:

Ellenberg, Max M. D., et al., eds. Diabetes Mellitus: Theory and Practice. 3rd Ed., New York:Medical Examination Publishing Co., Inc. 1983

Hollingsworth, Dorothy Reycroft. Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Birth:A Management Guide. 2nd Ed., Baltimore: Williams ; Wilkins.,1992

Periodical:

Casson, I.F. Outcome of pregnancy in insulin dependent diabetic women:results of a five year population cohort study. British Medical Journal 2 Aug. 1997: p275

Pasui, Kristine Management of diabetes in pregnancy. American Family Physician June 1997: p273

Henderson, Charles W. Study Suggests Promising Treatment for Diabetic Pregnancies. Transplant Weekly 17 May 1999: pNA