Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need special care during pregnancy if I’m diabetic?

Pregnancy affects your body’s metabolism, which in turn can make your diabetes harder to manage. That’s why you need extra help. Unmanaged diabetes can affect you and your growing baby and put you at a greater risk for pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and a cesarean-section birth. Diabetes during pregnancy also puts your baby at a greater risk for health problems, such as birth malformations, jaundice, and respiratory distress. Having a doctor who is an expert in diabetes care and a certified diabetes care and education specialist who understands how pregnancy affects your diabetes is key to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

How will you care for me during pregnancy as a diabetic patient?

You can expect to see your doctor or diabetes care and education specialist either in person or via telehealth every one to two weeks, depending on the type of diabetes that you have: type 1, type 2, or gestational. We empower you in your own care, teaching you how to monitor your blood glucose levels and give yourself insulin throughout the day, and we are always a phone call away when you need help. We also support you in tailoring a meal plan that fits your or your family’s eating style. Our social worker helps you troubleshoot insurance questions, connect with community resources, and secure diabetes equipment, as needed. After you deliver, we provide follow-up care for the first six weeks.

Do you offer preconception counseling?

Yes. If you have diabetes and you are trying to get pregnant, we encourage you to come to us for counseling before you get pregnant to improve your and your baby’s chance of a successful outcome. We are happy to work with your endocrinologist, if desired. Making sure that your diabetes is under good control before pregnancy means better health during pregnancy.

What is pregnancy care like at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health?

Our program’s care is part of the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services, a Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center of Excellence. Within this center, we offer fertility, obstetric, fetal, newborn, child, and advanced maternal care all in one place—something that’s quite unique in the Bay Area and in the United States. With us, you and your baby have the backing of dozens of teams, including our Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program, which provides all-encompassing care for complex fetal conditions and placental disorders; our renowned neonatology care, ranked in the top 10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report; and our extensive pediatric specialty services. Should you need expert adult care, our children’s and adult hospitals are connected, and we collaborate closely. Put simply, we can give you and your baby the care you need at the right time, from the right expert, and in the right way.