DIABETES AND PREGNANCY

Abstract

Pregnant women with diabetes face several challenges that can affect both the mother and the baby. If a pregnant woman has pregestational (pre-existing) diabetes, it can lead to premature birth, congenital defects, or macrosomia (excessive birth weight). The negative effects of pregestational diabetes are primarily linked to high blood sugar and insulin levels during the first trimester, which can cause serious complications later in pregnancy. Since many of the baby’s internal organs and tissues develop in early pregnancy, pregestational diabetes can result in birth defects