If you ve had diabetes for more than 10 years and have any signs of heart disease, your doctor should order an electrocardiogram to check your heart function. Coronary artery disease and diabetes can produce a high mortality rate during pregnancy. Your doctor should also check for signs of neuropathy, because nerve damage can affect how your heart and blood pressure respond to the physical stress of pregnancy. Neuropathy can slow down the nourishment to your body and your growing baby s, so let your physician know if you have persistent problems with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Your kidney should be in good health, since kidney function can suffer during pregnancy.
ACE inhibitors can cause kidney problem in the baby.
Also avoid beta-blockers and diuretics. An ophthalmologist should examine your eyes, especially the retina, with a dilated pupil exam, for retinopathy. Any problem should be treated and stabilized before you become pregnant. An American Academy of Pediatrics study found that babies born to mothers with diabetes were eight times more likely to suffer central nervous system damage and cardiovascular defects. Another common diabetes-related birth defect is abnormalities of the kidney.