How does diabetes affect the birth of your child?

Did you know that diabetes could cause your child to have a brain injury? Babies can grow too large, over 10 pounds, for the birth canal and there is a chance the skull could suffer trauma, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The baby's shoulder may be lodged behind the mother's pelvis, and if there is over-stretching of the neck Erbs Palsy could be a consequence. This is nerve damage in birth that leads to a weakness in a baby's arm.

If you have diabetes it is important to have good blood sugar control during your pregnancy. This will greatly decreases your baby's risk of birth defects, particularly those affecting the brain. Keeping your blood sugar controlled also decreases the risk of high blood pressure. Good blood sugar control also helps prevent a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice) after birth. Check your blood sugar level up to eight times a day. Take insulin, or other medication, as prescribed by your doctor. Reduce the risk of excess growth of the baby. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. See your obstetrician for regular prenatal checkups.

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