Diabetes + pregnancy?

i have type 2 diabetes. it was undiagnosed until i became pregnant and apparently very uncontrolled as my HBAIC measures 9.7. I am now working on getting in target and am doing well with a few little setbacks every couple of day or so. my concerns is this....during my first 11 weeks i was very high and undiagnosed. now im terrified my baby will have birth defects. We have seen several strong, healthy heartbeats and normal activity etc. my dr has never once mentioned the risk of birth defects to me, i read it online.......any thoughts?!?!?!

I share your pain - I'm a diabetic with an unplanned pregnancy. When you read online it is frankly terrifying. This isn't my first pregnancy so that really helped me come to terms with it because I know what to do, what to expect. But pregnancy is an emotional time, no doubt about it, and you were thrown quite a monkey wrench to think about.

Now here's what I know about doctors, especially OBs: they understand that pregnant women are feeling very vulnerable, and a few words from them could lead to a crying jag at home. So they are pretty careful about loading you down with the scary stuff. OBs try to keep you calm and happy, because that's best for baby - but if they see something to worry about, they will definitely let you know. Go to all the tests, do the ultrasounds, do all your appointments and keep the medical team happy.

I totally understand your worry, but it's not helping you at this point, just making your diagnosis harder to take. The best thing you can do is focus on your blood sugars for now, knowing that you are doing the best thing you can for your baby.

Like dingding said, it's very encouraging that you are out of the first trimester! So take heart, try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy a little.

pWomen with diabetes (pregestational and gestational) are likely to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby, as long as blood-sugar levels are well controlled. However, women with poorly controlled diabetes are at increased risk for certain pregnancy complications. These include:

Preeclampsia: This disorder is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Severe cases can cause seizures and other problems in the mother and poor growth and premature birth in the baby.
Polyhydramnios: This is a condition where the mother makes too much amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios can increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery (1).
Cesarean delivery: When the baby grows too large, a cesarean delivery often is recommended (5).


In case of controlled diabetus with pregnancy upon using insulin no problem at all under medical supervision

The good news is that the further you are along without any problems, the better the chance for a completely healthy baby. Miscarriage is actually the most common complication of pregancy with diabetes, not so much birth defects. And the first trimester is the most touch-n-go, so if you've made it through that, that's very good. But it's critical to keep your BG's under control. Make sure you're testing it several times a day and writing down what you eat so you can identify patterns with your doc. Best wishes.

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so anxious, dear lady, but I'm quite sure that if your doctor(s) thought there was anything to worry about they'd have been all over you.

Do yourself, and your baby, a real big favour [favor, if you're American] and tell your doctor of your concerns. I'm sure they'll offer you reassurance.

You do know, don't you, that the stress of your worrying is more likely to raise your blood sugar levels, adding to the risks for both yourself and your unborn baby.

Be well, dear lady ... and congratulations.

May you have a successful, healthy pregnancy.