10. HbA1c and Pregnancy: Special Considerations
Pregnancy brings about a unique set of challenges for blood sugar management, making the role of HbA1c testing even more critical. Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes need to maintain tighter blood glucose control to ensure both their health and the health of their baby. The target HbA1c levels for pregnant women are generally lower than those for non-pregnant adults.
Monitoring HbA1c levels in pregnancy aids in identifying potential risks and ensuring timely interventions. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and increased risk of future diabetes for both mother and child. By keeping a close eye on HbA1c levels, healthcare providers can take necessary steps to mitigate these risks.
In addition to regular HbA1c testing, pregnant women may need more frequent blood glucose monitoring. This provides a more detailed view of blood sugar levels, helping to guide day-to-day management and ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy.
It’s also important to note that pregnancy can affect the accuracy of HbA1c results. Changes in red blood cell turnover during pregnancy can lead to falsely low HbA1c levels. Healthcare providers are aware of these potential discrepancies and will interpret HbA1c results in the context of the overall clinical picture. (10)
