Can high blood sugar in early pregnancy cause fetal abnormalities?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

May I ask the doctor, does high blood sugar in early pregnancy cause fetal developmental abnormalities?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Elevated blood glucose levels during early pregnancy may cause fetal abnormalities. The impact of a high-glucose environment on the fetus is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Increased risk of fetal malformations: High blood glucose may stimulate fetal insulin secretion and affect the normal developmental process, thereby increasing the incidence of congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, cleft lip, and cardiac defects.

2. Impact on fetal weight: High blood glucose may lead to abnormal fetal weight gain, resulting in fetal macrosomia, which not only increases the difficulty of delivery but may also threaten the health of both mother and child.

3. Cause fetal hypoglycemia: Since the fetus has adapted to the high-glucose environment in utero, interruption of glucose supply after birth may lead to hypoglycemia, which requires timely treatment.

4. Impact on fetal lung development: High blood glucose may delay fetal lung development, increasing the risk of neonatal respiratory distress and asphyxia.

5. Increased risk of miscarriage: Elevated blood glucose may have adverse effects on the pregnant woman's body, thereby increasing the risk of early pregnancy loss.

Therefore, pregnant women should closely monitor their blood glucose levels during early pregnancy, and seek timely medical treatment if elevated blood glucose is detected.