I am 35 and 32 weeks pregnant with my second child. I was taking small amounts of insulin during the last 10 weeks of my first pregnancy (from week 28), and have only needed to start taking insulin this week for this pregnancy. I was very concerned about the number of blood tests that were carried out on my first baby during her first 48 hours, and the frequency/timing of these tests, especially in relation to my baby’s feeding times. What do you consider to be ‘necessary’ blood testing for a new born baby during the first 48 hours? Is the frequency/timing of these tests impacted by how recently the baby has fed? I do not want my baby to be subjected to unnecessary testing.

Any new mother suffers every time her baby is subjected to blood testing because it is a natural instinct to protect her new infant. However, you have to understand that the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) is extremely high after diabetic pregnancy. This is because the baby has become used to high levels of glucose in utero and has had to respond to this by producing more of its own insulin. Once the cord is cut, the rich supply of glucose stops but it can take a while for insulin production to fall appropriately. All of this is a complicated way of saying that your baby has to be tested often (as much as hourly to begin with) until it is clear that s/he can maintain normal glucose levels. The effect of hypoglycaemia on a newborn can be very serious so this is a very small price to pay.

KJR