From Sonam Kapoor to Gigi Hadid, home birth has been increasingly in trend with some women choosing to go with the flow and have what seems to be an easier way of giving birth. Nevertheless, women suffering from diabetes have a lot more at stake, and there are plenty of health considerations to be kept in mind in case one decides to give birth at home.
Daniyah Irfan, holistic nutrition coach and diabetes educator shared that it is important to assess the numerous hazards that diabetic mothers could face when attempting a home birth, despite the fact that this type of birth may be safe and satisfying for many women.
Here are some complications that can arise with gestational diabetes:
- Preeclampsia: This is caused by hypertension during pregnancy which can cause damage to maternal organs.
- Premature birth: Kid becomes fully developed with pre-term labor under 37 weeks of pregnancy metabolic growth potentials.
- Macrosomia: When a giant baby is delivered, it can cause complications during labor and delivery.
- Birth defects: When a woman has diabetes, she is more likely to produce children with birth defects
- Shoulder dystocia: This occurs when the child’s baby shoulder becomes wedged behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery and is a significant complication.
- Neonatal Complications: When the newborn has complications such as hypoglycemia or respiratory issues, such complications increase.
Irfan pointed out that for diabetic women contemplating giving birth at home, there is a need to closely control blood glucose levels. This includes regular blood sugar checks throughout pregnancy and during labor. Additionally, having a qualified healthcare provider who can provide support and intervene if necessary is crucial.
For diabetic women contemplating giving birth at home, there is a need to closely control blood glucose levels. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
What should you keep in mind?
While home birth may be a viable option for some diabetic women, Irfan mentioned that it’s important to consider the severity of diabetes. “Women with well-controlled diabetes and no other pregnancy complications may be able to have a safe home birth. With that, access to emergency care also becomes an essential factor. It’s always important to have a plan for transferring to a hospital in case of complications.” A qualified midwife or doctor who is experienced in caring for pregnant women with diabetes can provide valuable support and guidance.
“Ultimately, the decision to have a home birth is a personal one. Diabetic women should discuss their plans with their healthcare provider and weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a concrete plan. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, some diabetic women may be able to have a safe and successful home birth,” she said.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
