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Diabetic Mother

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Infant of Diabetic Mother
1. Define Infant of Diabetic Mother. IDM is a baby born to a mother with diabetes. Throughout her pregnancy the baby’s mother had high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Babies who are born to diabetic mothers are more likely to be born by a C-Section delivery. Diabetic mothers must be monitored closely.
2. Causes. A pregnant woman with high blood sugar levels can affect the infant after birth. These infants are often larger than other babies. Their organs such as the liver, heart, and adrenal glands are likely to be enlarged. Because of increased insulin levels in their blood, these infants may have periods of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. There is an increased risk of birth defects, miscarriages, or stillborn children. If the baby is large there is an increased risk for brachial plexus injuries and other traumas during birth.
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Signs and Symptoms include: Blue or Patchy skin color, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate, newborn jaundice, poor feeding, lethargy, weak cry, puffy face, reddish appearance, tremors or shaking.
4. LABS to monitor. Before the birth an ultrasound is performed on the mother to determine the size of the baby. A lung maturity test if the baby is going to be delivered more than one weak early. After the birth the baby will be tested to show if the infant has low blood sugar and low blood calcium. An echocardiogram will show if the infant has an abnormally large heart, which can occur with heart failure. LAB testing will also be done to determine hypoglycemia and polycythemia. Glucose testing will be done.
5. Treatments. Test will be run to check the blood sugar level for several days. They will continue until the infant’s blood sugar remains stable with normal feedings. Low blood sugar that persist is treated with sugar and water given through a vein. High bilirubin levels are treated with phototherapy. Rarely, the infant may need breathing support or an exchange

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