Why should I be concerned about diabetes during pregnancy?
Diabetes is a concern for all men, women, and children because the continuous surges in your blood sugar can damage vital organs, minimize blood flow, and inhibit nerve functions. But diabetes during pregnancy is especially concerning because now both you and your unborn child are at serious risk of complications.
A prior diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or a newer diagnosis of gestational diabetes can cause or increase your risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Fetal heart defects
- Neural tube defects
- Early delivery
- Cesarean birth
- Preeclampsia
- High birth weight (over 9 pounds)
Because diabetes is known for increasing your risk of so many issues, it’s important to get started with diabetic counseling early on.
When do I need to see a diabetic counselor?
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and plan to become pregnant, it’s important to schedule a diabetic counseling session at TLC Perinatal PA before you conceive. Or if you’re already pregnant and have diabetes, schedule an exam right away.
Because gestational diabetes is something that develops only while you’re pregnant, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of diabetes, so you known when it’s time to see your doctor. You need to schedule a diabetic counseling visit if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Have trouble managing your blood sugar
- Experience increased thirst and urination
- Have had elevated glucose in any of your prenatal testing
The diabetic counseling team at TLC Perinatal PA help you learn to manage your diabetes and check in with you and your referring obstetrician regularly to ensure your treatment is effective.
What happens during a diabetic counseling appointment?
Your diabetic counseling appointment at TLC Perinatal PA begins with sitting down with your practitioner and discussing your family and personal health history. Depending on your health and how long it’s been since you last had lab work done, your practitioner might draw blood or collect a urine sample during your visit.
Once your diabetic counselor better understands your health and gets to know about your lifestyle, they talk with you about lifestyle changes you can make. Your diabetes management care can include:
- Planning out exercise routines
- Planning your meals and snacks
- Learning to count carbohydrates
- Finding foods you enjoy that help stabilize your blood sugar
- Learning about different types of carbohydrates and how they affect your blood sugar
If you’re insulin-dependant or require diabetes medications, your dedicated doctor at TLC Perinatal PA also counsels you on how and when to take your prescribed dosage.
Ask your obstetrician for a referral and schedule your diabetic counseling visit with TLC Perinatal PA by clicking on the online scheduler, or by calling your nearest office directly.
