The care of a patient with diabetes before she falls pregnant is very important. Strict control of blood sugar is vital to ensure the healthy development of the baby. This is especially crucial in the first few weeks of pregnancy as all the organs are delicately formed. It is therefore advised that before considering pregnancy, a diabetic should discuss this with her dr.
Diabetes may also be diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy. While in some instances this may last only the duration of the pregnancy, it is a risk factor for both mom and her baby to develope diabetes later in life. Careful management with lifestyle changes and medication, if needed, can go a long way to reduce this risk for both.
Both an over and under-active thyroid gland can have serious effects during pregnancy for the mom and her baby and requires careful follow up.
Screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy (blood test) should be considered in the following situations: