Diabetes & Pregnancy
Being diabetic does not mean you cannot have children it just means that there are more associated risk factors to consider, which we will address in this section.
I Am A Diabetic Planning To Get Pregnant Is There Anything I Can Do, Before I Conceive?
Firstly you will need to contact your health centre and speak to the nurse who takes care and assesses your diabetes, they will be looking for the following:
- For you to achieve and maintain good blood glucose control. Ideally you will want to continue with this for at least the first 8 weeks of your pregnancy
- Cut down or stop your alcohol intake as it can affect your levels
- Start taking folic acid tablets
- Stop smoking
- Eat healthy – watching what you eat and how it affects your levels
- Get your eyes checked especially if you have suffered from diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertension – if you take medication for this check with your doctor or nurse as some medicines cannot be taken when pregnant.
I Am Pregnant And Diabetic What Should I Do?
- Try to eat healthy, try to get enough carbohydrates in the morning
- Do not ever skip meals due to morning sickness
- Regularly check your blood glucose levels at least four times a day
- If you take insulin you may need to have smaller meals more frequently or have snacks in between meals
What Effects Could My Diabetes Have On My Baby?
Your baby might have the following:
- Higher birth weight
- Low blood sugar levels after delivery
If your diabetes is not controlled you are more likely to have birth defects
- Increased rate of jaundice and maybe breathing difficulties
- Risk of miscarriage
What Risks Do I Have During Labour?
You may find that if you have a large baby you may need a caesarean section. You will need to keep a close watch on your glucose levels as these may tend to fluctuate during labour.
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