Preventing congenital tragedy

Recent advances in the care of pregnant diabetic women have resulted in reduced infant mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the advances, the incidence of death due to congenital malformations remains a major problem. Research findings in human and animal models indicate that avoidance of hyperglycemic states during the first 7 weeks of gestation results in a reduced incidence of congenital deformity to levels consistent with nondiabetic populations. Nurses can thus make a major contribution to the reduction of congenital malformations through prepregnancy counseling and teaching. Vital elements in a comprehensive counseling program include explaining the role of genetics in the development of diabetes in offspring, fitness for pregnancy, risks to both the mother and infant, and use of contraceptives. The major focus of a teaching program is blood glucose control. The nurse teaches the woman with diabetes such measures as home glucose monitoring, urine testing, insulin therapy, diet management, and exercise. Nurses, using the skills of counseling and teaching, can play a major role in ensuring a diabetic woman's dream of a normal, healthy baby

Diabetes mellitus · Incidence (geometry · Intensive care medicine · Offspring · Pregnancy · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Gestational Diabetes Research and Management · Medicine · Nursing · Endocrinology · Pediatrics