Specialized pregnancy care for women with diabetes starts long before baby
Pregnant women living with uncontrolled diabetes risk an unhealthy pregnancy, a complicated delivery, and a baby born with serious health problems. But it doesn’t have to be that way. University Health Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Emily Williams, MD is offering specialized care to women as early as when they’re just considering getting pregnant.
What’s an MFM?
Maternal Fetal Medicine (or MFM) doctors are OB-GYNs who specialize in caring for women with high-risk pregnancies. Because of the sharp increase- nationally in pregnant women with diabetes, University Health has started a specialty clinic (details below). Dr. Williams said some of her patients had diabetes, mostly Type 2, before getting pregnant. Other patients developed diabetes during their pregnancies. This form of diabetes is called gestational diabetes.
Who should I see?
Dr. Williams said that for many expecting patients with diabetes, their OB-GYN will offer highly effective care. She says this is a good option for women who can keep their blood sugars in a healthy range. But for those patients who aren’t able to keep their diabetes under control, they should consider a consultation with a specialist. The goal is to reduce the risk of dangerously high blood pressure, or a cesarean section that might not heal well. The stakes are also high for the unborn baby. The goal isn’t to scare women with diabetes, but rather to educate them about their options. “With good management and good control of blood sugars, we can avoid a lot of these complications and patients can have healthy outcomes,” said Dr. Williams.
She wants women to know that if they have diabetes, they are welcome to schedule a pre-conception consultation appointment with them to set a game plan for a healthy pregnancy. “Really it comes down to the better your blood sugar and diabetic control is before you become pregnant, the more likely you are to have a healthy baby and good outcome,” said Dr. Williams. On the flip side, she wants women with diabetes who are not planning on getting pregnant to talk to their doctor about effective birth control.
When can I see a provider in the Diabetic Specialty Clinic?
Dr. Williams sees patients for consultations at University Health 1 (2020 Charlotte St., KCMO 64108) on Mondays.
On Wednesdays, Dr. Williams sees patients via telehealth in the morning. In the afternoon, she sees patients in person at UH2 (2211 Charlotte St., KCMO 64108).
To schedule an appointment, call the High-Risk Specialty Clinic at (816) 404-2229.