Medical Appointments During Pregnancy with Diabetes
April 1, 2014
Dear Dr. Nicholson: During my pregnancy, I seem to have appointments with my medical team every week! Who are all these doctors? What are all the tests they have been scheduling? Are they looking for something in particular?
Diabetes is a serious condition and in pregnancy, diabetes affects two patients: the expectant mother and the baby. Taking care of two patients can require extra medial visits. Expectant mothers are at risk of developing labor and birth complications, including high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The baby is at risk for being overly large at birth (sometimes referred to as macrosomia), which can cause birth injuries, glucose intolerance and obesity in childhood. Babies born to mothers with diabetes, especially type 1 or type 2, are also at risk of being too small, often referred to as intrauterine growth restriction.