Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Diabetes and Pregnancy | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
My pregnancy is high risk due to my diabetes. This question may sound dumb, but is it OK to have sexual intercourse with my partner if my pregnancy is high risk, and if I keep my blood sugars in control, will I have a good chance at having a healthy baby and preventing a miscarriage?— Charlene P. in Holyoke, MA | | | ANSWER |
January 11, 2002 | | | Dear Charlene,
For women who have diabetes, the most important thing is, as you say, keeping your sugars in good control. This can be really difficult, especially if you aren't used to working towards totally normal blood sugars. However, it is crucial in order to lower the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications.
It will be very important to follow your sugars closely, eat healthfully, take your insulin, and see your obstetrician regularly. Mothers-to-be with longstanding diabetes or known problems with vascular disease are at particularly high risk, and will therefore need frequent ultrasounds and monitoring. It will probably be a lot of work for you to do all these things. While miscarriage is higher for moms with diabetes, particularly those who run very high sugars, most diabetic women who take good medical care of themselves do have healthy babies.
One piece of good news for you is that sex has nothing to do with your medical risks. In general, you can have sex during pregnancy unless you are having bleeding or your doctor tells you not to. You should discuss any questions you have about sex with your doctor. These are common questions from pregnant women, so you don't need to be embarrassed. Take care of yourself and your little one!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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