One of the frequent concerns in women with diabetes mellitus who wish to be mothers is the way in which they can affect their pregnancy in their own disease or their future child.Fortunately, and although scientific studies of more than a decade ago they assumed that in diabetic women the fertile period shortened about six years and that the average age of menopause was estimated in the 41,6 years, today we know that well -controlled diabetes does notIt affects the reproductive life of women.
However, as Dr. José Luis Prieto, a specialist in obstetrics gynecology at the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Hospital, a diabetic woman «can become pregnant at the time he wishes, but they must be aware that the physiological changes of pregnancy can alter thebalance situation that you have in your metabolism.
It warns, however, that “there are some cases of diabetic women who have pathologies associated with the disease, such as diabetic nephropathy (renal damage), severe retinopathy (important loss of view), a bad control of diabetes despite the use of the use ofInsulin or ischemic heart disease in which pregnancy absolutely advises.
What care must be taken before and during pregnancy?
-As of pregnancy: a complete study: it must be appropriate to the state of hyperglycemia and a complete study to verify that, «really the disorders set forth above are not present or are started to develop because then the diabetes can be aggravated duringThe gestation, ”says Dr. Prieto.
Likewise, the control of blood sugar levels is essential through nutritional control and antidiabetic appropriate to the situation of each person, either as an oral treatment or parenteral route such as insulin.
-During gestation: here it is essential that the exhaustive self -control of blood glucose levels.In the event that an alteration occurs, a doctor must go to reach adequate control and evaluate the possible alterations in the body that the future mother is suffering.
-After pregnancy: here the woman recovers the measures prescribed by her doctor before becoming pregnant.At this time the mother should also consult with her doctor if she has decided to feed her child by breast or artificial milk.
Can you do sports?
Yes, it is good to walk at least 30 minutes.Physical exercise is a good ally in pregnancy.In the case of diabetic women even more since it can help adequate metabolic control.If before pregnancy, no physical activity was performed, it is recommended that at least half an hour at least 3-4 days a week.
What will the birth be like?
It will depend on how pregnancy has developed, says Dr. Prieto, but in most cases, in which there have been no problems, the woman will be expected to reach the end of pregnancy and childbirth developing spontaneously.
In cases where there has not been good metabolic control both by hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, it would be interrupted before reaching the end.
When should I go to the doctor?
The pregnancy of a diabetic patient requires more thorough control than that of a healthy woman, which may include the need to perform extra ultrasound, such as the one that is advised around the 28th gestation week to control the heart of the fetus.You also have to go to any alteration of blood glucose, both by excess and default.